“Shant Harutyunyan needs no psychiatrist”
Today the trial of the case against seven opposition activists resumed without defendant Shant Harutyunyan. The police escort informed the presiding judge, Mnatsakan Martirosyan, that the detainee was already in the court but he couldn't participate in the trial. Mnatsakan Martirosyan was then given the statement of the Penitentiary Department of the Ministry of Justice which ran: "Shant Harutyunyan behaves rather aggressively and pours obscene expressions on doctors. The defendant's aggressive behaviour can be resulted by a nervous disorder and psychological breakdown. Shant Harutyunyan has been isolated."
Another less prominent defendant Suren Sirunyan said he had been in the same isolation ward with Shant Harutyunyan and stated that Shant doesn't need a psychiatrist. He only needs proper medical examination. Sirunyan petitioned the court to take Shant Harutyunyan to an ordinary hospital. Judge Martirosyan announced a recess to study the petition.
In 20 minutes the court announced a break of 30 minutes.
As usual, proponents of the Armenian National Congress (HAK) have crowded near the court building. They demand the court to release the political prisoners.
