Ex-adviser of Prime Minister of Armenia, accused of paedophilia, denies violent acts

After a month break, the closed trial of Serob Ter-Pogosyan, ex-adviser of Armenian Prime Minister, accused of paedophilia, was resumed. The defendant denies commission of any violent sexual acts and asserts that he had sexual intercourses with children with their consent.

Ter-Pogosyan, 69, a US citizen, owner of the Corporation "Metal Prince" and a former adviser of the Prime Minister of Armenia, was arrested on February 9. According to the investigation, from 2004 to 2010 he conducted children's events in the city of Akhtala, Lori Region.

The General Prosecutor's Office accuses Ter-Pogosyan of forcing to "homosexual relations and other sexual acts" of selected by him participants of events, including those under the age of puberty.

During the court session on August 31, the investigation demonstrated one of the videos, which recorded sexual acts between the accused Ter-Pogosyan and one of his victims, whose name was not mentioned.

The Prosecutor Aram Amirzadyan said that both the defendant and the victim, questioned during the session, did not deny the recorded episodes; the video was added to the case files.