Russia has used the Hrachya Harutyunyan case as part of its anti-Armenian campaign, Chairman of Armenian Helsinki Committee Avetik Ishkhanyan told journalists on Wednesday.
"Harutyunyan's appearance in court and the harsh articles in the Russian press prove that Russia's political attitude towards is Armenia is nothing but disdain. The humiliation of Harutyunyan was an insult for all Armenians, starting from the President," Ishkhanyan said.
On the other hand, he could not but mention the social problems in Armenia, which force people like Harutyunyan - people who once fought for their homeland - to leave it in search for job.
On July 13 Harutyunyan's Kamaz drove into a bus with 64 passengers. 18 people were killed. On July 15 the Tver court of Moscow ruled that Harutyunyan should be in custody till Sept 13. If found guilty, he may face seven years in jail.
Harutyunyan was brought to court in a colored housecoat and slippers, which has raised a wave of discontent in Armenia and among the Armenians living in Russia.