"GROUNDLESS CRIMINAL PROSECUTION"

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05:58 pm | June 11, 2009

Politics

A Kotayk Court today continued the trial on the case of NA MP Sasun
Mikaelian.

Advocate Hovik Arsenyan made a 20-page speech for the defence.

Defendant Sasun Mikaelian didn’t show up at today’s court sitting.

As usual the court building and its environs were overcrowded with
people who had come to support the detained MP.

Remind that Sasun Mikaelian is charged with calls for mass disorders
and acquisition of illegal weapons.

During his speech Advocate Arsenyan reminded that the presidential
election of 2008 made tens of thousands of people discontent and
disappointed. As a result, they staged peaceful demonstrations at
Liberty Square from February 20 to March 1 to contest the election
results. The police chained and dispersed the demonstrators who sought
asylum near the French Embassy and protested against rigged elections
and ill-treatment.

"No mass disturbance was reported on that day," stated Hovik Arsenyan
and added that his client had never participated in mass disorders. Nor
had he disturbed public rest. Just on the contrary, Sasun Mikaelian
had called demonstrators to give way to policemen.

"Sasun Mikaelian is subjected to groundless criminal prosecution for
his political stance and activity," said the Advocate.

"Moreover, he handed over the weapons after informing the
police. A person handing over weapons voluntarily is relieved from
responsibility."

The Court will announce the verdict on June 18.