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It is 'unacceptable' that ‘one of the presidents who has made a history of 30 years’ is kept in custody, Armenia’s Former Defense Minister Seyran Ohanyan told reporters on Monday, commenting on the criminal prosecution against second President Robert Kocharyan.

Ohanyan, who served as Chief of the General Staff of the Armenian Armed Forces during Kocharyan’s tenure, said the criminal investigation should continue with the ex-president in freedom, especially when Kocharyan has proved that he fulfils all the demands issued by law enforcers in a ‘calm and courageous manner’.

He stressed Kocharyan could not hinder the investigation if he were released from custody, since the preliminary investigation into the March 1-2, 2008 post-election unrest is already over.

“Robert Kocharyan had nothing to do with the 1,000 soldiers who gave testimonies. I was one of the persons having close ties with him as chief of the General Staff. Robert Kocharyan did not give any orders to the Chief of General Staff, i.e. to me, let alone the others,” Ohanyan said.

Asked whether he plans to join the announcement of dozens of public, political, cultural and sports figures to release Kocharyan and what influence it could possibly have, he said. “Those public and political figures who assess the situation are taking appropriate measures.”

Ohanyan, who also currently stands trial on charges of overthrowing the constitutional order, has been allowed to leave for Germany from 18 October to 4 November to receive treatment.