Civilitas for Oskanian: Armenian think tank stages march in support of its embattled former head

Employees of the Civilitas Foundation on Friday marched to the Prosecutor General's Office demanding an end to what they described as "political persecution" against the think tank's former head, Vartan Oskanian, who is currently under prosecution for alleged money laundering.

Oskanian, now a member of the Prosperous Armenia Party, was stripped of his parliamentary immunity earlier this month and was charged with misappropriating a $1.4-million donation made by U.S. philanthropist Jon Huntsman Sr. to the foundation in late 2010.

The lawmaker denies any wrongdoing, saying that the charges brought against him are "politically motivated". He implies that the criminal investigation is an attempt to damage him and his party ahead of the next presidential election scheduled in Armenia for February 2013.  Read more... (232 words)

Armenian News