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“THAT ROAD LEADS TO THE MOSQUES”

Politics

After the rejection of Judge of the general jurisdiction court of the Kentron and Nork-Marash district communities Gayane Karakhanian, Gagik Avetisian continued the trial of member of the “Republic” party political council member Smbat Ayvazian. The defendant’s side made a series of arbitrations right at the beginning of the session. First, attorney Lusine Sahakian mediated the judge not to continue the session, but rather restart it because the judge had been changed. The judge denied the arbitration due to the fact that he did not see any reason to start an investigation and that he was doing that for the benefit of Ayvazyan, that is, to continue the trial for a reasonable period.

“If the court were objective, the session would start with the arrest on the morning of February 24. It is clear that the reasonable period for the court sessions is the period for us to give the power back to the people,” stated Smbat Ayvazian. “The case has been in court for four months, but actually the case is not in progress. You are simply keeping me in jail knowing very well that you can’t reach a verdict.”

The defendant’s side mediated to release Smbat Ayvazian taking into account the fact that the court doesn’t have permission to keep anybody in jail for nearly seven months.

“We are arbitrating the court to release Smbat Ayvazian. His arrest was legally unsubstantiated,” said attorney Yervand Varosian.

The court postponed discussion of the arbitration until the defendant testified. But Ayvazian refused to testify. “My testimony is ready, but now is not the right time.” That was when the judge announced that Ayvazian had to testify in front of the jury and not the journalists. “I have no expectations from the court. I feel much freer in my cell than in the courtroom,” said Ayvazian.

Afterwards, the defendants arbitrated to investigate citizens Artak Sisakian and Vardan Kirakosian, who had been with Ayvazian on the day of the event. The court will declare its verdict on October 13 at 12:30 p.m.

Before leaving, Smbat Ayvazian said: “There will be a state overturn in December. This criminal regime is trying to prolong its illegitimate power at the cost of Karabagh. We will somehow forgive them for keeping us in prison, but I can assure you that we will not forgive them for their policy on Karabagh. I wish to warn them that that road is leading them straight to the mosques and that means betraying the nation.”