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COMMANDER APPEARED IN COURTROOM IN HANDCUFFS
[07:48 pm] 05 May, 2008
Today the RoA Appellate Court heard the case of Husik
Baghdasarian, commander of a Masis regiment. Husik
Baghdasarian has been sentenced to a three-year
imprisonment by a Masis Court. He is charged with
carrying illegal weapon / Article 235, Penal Code/.
Today the RoA Appellate court heard Baghdasarian’s
appeal against the court decision. Husik Baghdasarian
was taken to the courtroom in handcuffs.
`Why have you chained Husik? Shame on you! How dare
you chain an Armenian hero?’ cried out indignant
people.
`The charges brought against Baghdasarian are
groundless. He is accused of carrying 16
fowling-pieces,’ said barrister Vardan Zurnachian.
Vardan Zurnachian is surprised that while bringing in
a verdict the judge didn’t pay attention to a few
extenuating circumstances. Husik has an underage
child. Besides, he has performed significant services
to the country which might assuage the punishment.
The barrister voiced surprise that during a similar
court sitting the defendant was sentenced to a 1.5
years’ imprisonment.
During today’s court sitting he filed a few petitions
concerning the conduct of a new investigation, but
they were all rejected.
Upon the request of Vardan Zurnachian the court
sitting was delayed till May 8.
IN DEFENCE OF HUSIK BAGHDASARIAN
Today some dozens of Armenian citizens held a protest
action in front of the Appellate Court. They stretched
out their fists for an hour shouting, `Free Husik
Baghdasarian,’ `Now,’ `Freedom’ etc. The protesters
were also signing patriotic songs.
`Husik has been `chased’ after he voiced support for
Ter-Petrossian. During a February search in our flat
Husik handed over his legal arms with cartridges.
While now they say those are not fowling-pieces,’ said
Husik’s wife Mariam Baghdasarian. `The police have
looked in twice over the past four years but they
haven’t protocolled any weapon. Therefore, I think
Husik’s arrest is politically motivated. He
participated in all rallies, sit-down strikes and was
Ter-Petrossian’s proxy in Masis. My husband is a
political prisoner.’
We all know well that all these people are tried for
their political dissent. Shame on the authorities! We
live in an autocratic country,’ added Armenian
civilian Roza.