2018 December 13

Anti-Corruption Daily

by ar_david_hh

All the accused are innocent until proven guilty by the court of law. Currency in Armenian Drams unless specified otherwise.

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Two police officers receive a 300k fine for assaulting a journalist during the revolution days, court rules. http://www.armtimes.com/hy/article/150605

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The Higher court overturns the arrest warrant for the former chief March 1st investigator who is accused of covering-up the military's involvement. The defense provided evidence that he is currently undergoing medical treatment in Moscow and will return voluntary after it's over. http://armtimes.com/hy/article/150561

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The court rules to extend Serj's bodyguard's detention by another 2 months, denying his bail offer. He is accused of money laundering and other financial crimes. https://armenpress.am/arm/news/958011.html

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761 students, 649 of whom are April 2016 battle participants, will have 20% of their university tuition subsidized by the government, in addition to receiving funds for a free access to museums and theaters http://armtimes.com/hy/article/150552 ---- https://factor.am/108020.html

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PM Pashinyan is negotiating with the Central Bank to lower the interest rates on student loans. The government wants to provide more favorable rates to students who score higher grades, in order to assure they don't drop out, and to encourage everyone else to study better. https://armenpress.am/arm/news/958015.html

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The government has decided to shut down the 50 year old "legendary" Nubarashen garbage center and create a new one nearby, which will meet modern standards and attract investors that process garbage and turn it into a profit. The new one will have a cover, on top of which they plan to install gardens. It'll be build by 2021. https://armenpress.am/arm/news/958047.html ----- http://www.panarmenian.net/arm/news/263471/

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Some of the refugees who fled from Azerbaijan to Armenia during the ethnic cleansing and war of 90s, have been granted the right to privatize the hostels that they've been living in, in 5 different locations. https://armenpress.am/arm/news/958029.html

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IRS will tax (per existing law) second and subsequent car imports at 20%, declaring it as a business. Chief says some people abused the system by declaring the cars as gifts in order to avoid customs duties. Only the first car per year will be exempt from taxes. If a car's value is declared suspiciously low with the intention of minimizing taxes, the IRS will calculate it at 80% of the current market value. http://armtimes.com/hy/article/150578 ---- https://armenpress.am/arm/news/958076.html

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Sri-Lanka becomes the 36th country to recognize the Yerevan State Medical University medical diplomas in the country. About quarter of all students in the university are currently foreigners. https://armenpress.am/arm/news/958116.html

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EU will provide 3.6bln to Armenia for nuclear safety checks and stress testings. https://armenpress.am/arm/news/958031.html

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EU will provide 4.1bln to improve the investment conditions, markets, and to make their governance more efficient https://armenpress.am/arm/news/958030.html

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EU to provide 4.4bln to improve democracy, human rights and the civil society (ex. NGOs) https://armenpress.am/arm/news/958054.html

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EU to provide 14.4bln to improve the education quality (especially STEM) in Armenia, and to strengthen the cooperation between the education institutions and job makers. TUMO will help to solve qualified employee shortage issues. https://armenpress.am/arm/news/958050.html

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US president Trump signed a bill passed by Congress which declares its support for Christians in the Middle East, and other religious minorities. Armenian church representative was present during the signing ceremony. The White House has acknowledged Armenia's role in accepting the refugees who fled from Middle East during civil wars. When Trump met the Armenian archbishop, he said "Oh, Armenians are hard working and smart people." [believe me, I'm like really good at rolling dolma, it's wonderful, it's something you gotta see /s]. https://armenpress.am/arm/news/958002.html ------ VIDEO: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KPFVfdQ9cws

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Arthur Davtyan wins gold medal in an international gymnastics competition held in Moscow http://www.panarmenian.net/arm/news/263467/

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This is why you shouldn't trust rumors and "sources" circulating on the social media or shady news outlets. Artsakh denies that the army chief was fired or submitted a resignation letter. In another story, artist Kim Yerotsyan's grave wasn't actually stolen. http://www.panarmenian.net/arm/news/263469/

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Police officer caught on camera during the ballot counting. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QIYDCcIT0W8

Link to original report: https://www.reddit.com/r/armenia/comments/a5x2lz/anticorruption_dec132018/