Robert Kocharyan Barred from Leaving Armenia at Zvartnots Airport

YEREVAN — Armenia’s second president, Robert Kocharyan, was barred by law enforcement officers from leaving the country at Zvartnots International Airport, according to media reports.

Kocharyan’s son, Levon Kocharyan, said his father was traveling to Russia.

Earlier today, Robert Kocharyan wrote on social media that he was leaving the country for a three-day visit.

“We have never provided advance information about the former president’s numerous trips because of their private nature. However, taking into account the false claims recently circulated by the authorities regarding visits by opposition representatives, we consider it necessary to spare the public from the expected next dose of government misinformation,” Kocharyan wrote.

It should be recalled that law enforcement authorities had earlier barred Prosperous Armenia Party leader Gagik Tsarukyan and Narek Karapetyan, a member of the political council of the Strong Armenia party, from leaving Armenia.