Speaking about the scandal around an Armenian export of tobacco to Russia, in an interview with Factor TV, TI Armenia Project Director, Varuzhan Hoktanyan has noted that the only proportionate reaction by the authorities would be the launching of criminal investigations into the matter. Hoktanyan has hoped that the law-enforcement authorities will investigate the issue objectively, however, he does emphasize that there will be political pressure.

In Hoktanyan’s view, this will be the best test for finding out whether or not Armenia has an independent judiciary. According to the TI Armenia expert, the authorities should have also attempted to uncover all corrupt dealings pertaining to Mikayel Minasyan. “If serious findings are uncovered, then the situation will significantly change,” Hoktanyan has concluded.

Original source: factor.am