Former Armenian president Robert Kocharyan detained on corruption charges

On August 25, 2026, authorities in Armenia arrested former president Robert Kocharyan as part of an investigation into corruption and the misuse of public property. The 71-year-old, a prominent political rival to Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, is accused by the Anti-Corruption Committee of abusing his presidential powers between 1998 and 2008 to misappropriate state assets and acquire property at prices significantly below market value.

Following his arrest on Tuesday, a court ordered a two-month pre-trial detention for Kocharyan and his son, Sedrak Kocharyan. The investigation also involves raids on numerous properties connected to the family, including the home of Levon Kocharyan, the former president’s other son and an opposition member of parliament. This development occurs shortly after a heated verbal confrontation between Levon Kocharyan and Prime Minister Pashinyan in parliament.

Regarding his current status, Robert Kocharyan was hospitalized following his arrest. His son, Levon, stated that the former president’s health has deteriorated and he was previously scheduled for surgery related to cardiovascular issues. The authorities are continuing their investigation into the family’s assets, and the former president remains in detention as the legal process unfolds.