The Orenburg Regional Court has begun hearing the state prosecution's appeal in the 6-million-ruble bribe case involving former senator Rauf Arashukov. The prosecution is seeking to increase the fine for the former official, who was sentenced to life imprisonment, from 120 million to 420 million rubles.
The Armenian Apostolic Church (AAC) expressed concern over the actions of law enforcement agencies. It viewed the travel ban on representatives of the Supreme Spiritual Council as a violation of constitutional rights and an infringement on the autonomy of the church.
In particular, the AAC called on the authorities and law enforcement agencies to comply with the constitution and legislation, and to respect the independence of the church.
The statement was prompted by the Investigative Committee of Armenia's imposition of travel restrictions on seven high-ranking clergy. A lawyer for one of the AAC representatives claims that these actions are aimed at disrupting the Episcopal Council convened by the Catholicos of All Armenians, scheduled for mid-February in Austria.