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Armenian Human Rights Defender Karen Andreasyan returned from Russia yesterday morning. The ombudsman had left for Moscow in connection with the Hrachya Harutiunian case, Asbarez reported.

Karen Andreasyan met with Harutiunian at the Motrosskaya Tishina detention facility and discussed the details of the case with his lawyers.

Karen Andreasyan said the Armenian driver is kept in a cell together with five other detainees and added that the conditions at the detention facility are satisfactory.

According to the ombudsman, although gradual, Hrachya Harutiunian is recovering from his shock and depression.

As for the prospects of extradition, Karen Andreasyan said under all international conventions the issue can be discussed only after the verdict is announced. He does not consider, however, that this is the main issue at this point. “The most important thing is to ensure a fair proceeding,” he told a press conference today.

There are three lawyers defending Hrachya Harutiunian. Famous Russia-based Armenian advocate Ruben Margarian may join them in the near future. President of the Union of Armenians of Russia Ara Abrahamyan says he is ready to cover the expenses.