"Black Panther" detachment head`s defense team: Gasparyan developed  life-threatening illnesses incompatible with detention

ArmInfo. The legal team representing Serob Gasparyan,  the head of the military-patriotic organization Sev Hovaz (Black Panther)  and a participant in the  first and second Artsakh wars, who was arrested in September 2024 in  the case for allegedly  planning  "to seize power in Armenia,"  signals that at the time of his arrest Gasparyan was in good health,  while now he has developed life-threatening illnesses that are  incompatible with the current preventive measure.

The lawyers are questioning the impartiality of the medical  examination, as the head of the body conducting the medical  examination is the father of the prosecutor in the case. This creates  an obvious conflict of interest and undermines the guarantees of the  objectivity of the examination. As a result, the defense cannot file  such a motion. In addition, court hearings are typically held once a  month at best. In recent months, court hearings have been repeatedly  disrupted.

, the statement says. It is noted that  the failure to provide adequate and accessible medical care in  detention is  onsidered inhuman and degrading treatment, which goes  against Article 3 of the European Convention on Human Rights.  Therefore, the lawyers are demanding that an independent  interdisciplinary medical examination be organized in a specialized  civilian center with a full diagnosis and a clear treatment plan.

In addition, the defense demands that impartiality be ensured: in  cases of a conflict of interest, measures be taken to either remove  the head of the examining body or replace the prosecutor. The defense  is also calling for a review of the detention and the implementation  of  proportionate preventive measure that does not involve  deprivation of liberty. This should take into account the state of  health and income. The defense is also urging for regular court  hearings to be scheduled, ensuring timely escorts and eliminating  delays for reasons. The defense also called on the  Ombudsperson, the US and EU ambassadors, and international  institutions to monitor and visit the prison.