Mardiros Demerchyan argues against closure of case for statute of limitations

In the case against Mardiros Demerchyan, accused of theft and false denunciation of policemen, the period of limitation has expired. The defendant insists that the court should fully acquit him.

The "Caucasian Knot" has reported that on June 12, 2013, builder Mardiros Demerchyan came to collect his wage from the company, from where he resigned. However, directly from the construction site he was taken to the Sochi police station, where, according to him, he was subjected to severe torture. Mardiros Demerchyan claims the policemen tried to force him to confess to stealing a cable. From the police station, Mardiros Demerchyan was taken to a hospital. The law enforcement bodies did not initiate criminal proceedings against the policemen, but also accused the builder of false denunciation. Mardiros Demerchyan was sentenced, but later, the Krasnodar Territorial Court cancelled the verdict. At present, the case is being re-considered.

The "Caucasian Knot" correspondent has been told by advocate Marina Dubrovina that the terms of bringing her defendant to justice have already expired.

Mardiros Demerchyan himself told the "Caucasian Knot" correspondent that he is not guilty and therefore he does not agree to the closure of the case simply because of the expired period of limitation. "I was humiliated, tortured and falsely accused. They falsified the case. They have been bullying me for five years already. And they suggest I should agree to the closure of the case due to the expired period of limitation? Of course, I do not agree," said Mardiros Demerchyan.

Full text of the article is available on the Russian page of 24/7 Internet agency ‘Caucasian Knot’.