Lawyer: Search underway at detained blogger`s residence

ArmInfo.A search is currently being conducted at the home of detained blogger Artak Avetisyan, as stated by lawyer Ruben Melikyan during a Facebook live  stream.  "Artak has declined a public defender and requested that I represent his interests. Authorities intend to charge Avetisyan—or may have already done so—under the statute regarding the incitement of racial or religious hatred. Artak informed me by phone that he does not plead guilty.

We are dealing with a classic case of political persecution," Melikyan said, adding that the search of the house is being used as a "repressive tactic."

A court hearing to determine Avetisyan's pretrial detention  (preventive measure) is expected to be scheduled for either this  evening or tomorrow morning.

It should be noted that Avetisyan was detained after shouting "Nikol  is a traitor!" during a campaign for the ruling Civil Contract party  in the capital's Shengavit district.