USEFUL PRECEDENT

KarabakhOpen
12-12-2007 11:09:15

Gagik Baghunts, professor at Artsakh State University, had sued
the University for returning him to the position of the head of the
university press. On December 3 the district court passed the verdict.

The court decided to repeal the rector’s decisions and restore him
to his position. Artsakh State University has to pay him the average
salary for all the months he did not work.

We asked Gagik Baghunts to comment on the decision of the court. "I
am satisfied with the decision of the court. However, I would like
to note that the purpose of this process was to create a precedent of
successful struggle against administrative and legal arbitrariness. It
will help restore faith in people, which has recently disappeared,
that the government guards their interests, eliminates the gap between
people and government. I am sure that otherwise it is impossible to
build a democratic state based on a civil society."

In answer to the question whether the university may appeal to
the Supreme Court, Gagik Baghunts said: "Certainly the rector has
the right to appeal to the Supreme Court but I think this move
will look like disrespect for the law reflected in such an obvious
and justified decision of the court. Moreover, it will look like a
desperate posturing against the line of the new government to restore
justice and order."