Armenia Renews Extradition Request for Gevorg Kostanyan Amid Rising Legal Tension

Armenia has filed a new request to Russia for the extradition of former Prosecutor General Gevorg Kostanyan. The request was submitted on December 17 by the Armenian Prosecutor General’s Office. Kostanyan is wanted in Armenia on charges tied to the March 1, 2008 unrest. He is believed to be living in Russia.

This move marks Armenia’s latest effort to bring Kostanyan home to face trial. It follows earlier attempts that were blocked by Russian authorities and Interpol. Those denials were based on claims that the case had political signs, according to Reuters.

New Push to Extradite Gevorg Kostanyan

The new extradition request centers on long-standing charges. Kostanyan is accused of abuse of office, forgery, and evidence tampering. Armenia says these charges link directly to failures in the March 1 probe.

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That day in 2008 saw deadly clashes after a disputed election. The unrest remains one of Armenia’s most sensitive political events. Many former officials have been accused of blocking the original investigation.

Armenian Prosecutor General Anna Vardapetyan told lawmakers that Kostanyan is in Russia. She also said another wanted figure, Vahagn Harutyunyan, is there with him. Her remarks underline Armenia’s wider struggle to bring former officials home to face justice.

Sources such as AP News have noted that earlier rulings by foreign bodies cited political concerns. That makes this new request a key test for Armenia’s legal efforts. It also shows the government’s push to resolve past cases long tied to public distrust.

Impact on Armenia’s Justice Effort

The renewed request may shape Armenia’s broader push for legal reform. The March 1 case is seen as a symbol of past impunity. Many citizens view progress on it as a sign of real accountability.

A successful extradition could help restore public trust. It could also set a path for similar cases still tied up in foreign courts. But another denial may deepen concerns over outside influence and legal limits.

For now, this request puts fresh pressure on Russia to respond. It also raises new questions about how Armenia can resolve the long shadow of March 1. The outcome will likely shape political and public debate for months.

Armenia’s new extradition request for Gevorg Kostanyan marks another major step in a long legal fight. The push shows the state’s continued focus on justice and the need to close the March 1 chapter. The response from Russia will be key to what comes next for Armenia’s legal system.

Thought you’d like to know-

Q1: Why does Armenia want Gevorg Kostanyan extradited?

Armenia wants him returned to face charges linked to the March 1, 2008 case. He is accused of abuse of office and other crimes. The state says he failed to act during the original probe.

Q2: Where is Gevorg Kostanyan now?

Armenian officials say he is in Russia. They also say another wanted figure is with him. Russia has not confirmed new details.

Q3: Why were past extradition requests denied?

Past requests were denied by Russian authorities and Interpol. According to Reuters, both bodies cited political elements in the case. Those rulings stalled Armenia’s efforts for years.

Q4: What is the March 1 case?

It refers to deadly unrest in Armenia in 2008. Protesters clashed with security forces after a disputed election. The incident remains a key point in Armenia’s modern history.

Q5: What happens next?

Russia must respond to Armenia’s new request. The decision could shape future legal cooperation. It may also affect public trust in Armenia’s justice process.