NEW LAYWER TO BE INVOLVED IN THE CASE

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[03:55 pm] 14 May, 2008

On May 14 relatives of Hovhannes Harutiunian, Head of the Arabkir
structure of the Yerkrapah Volunteer Union (EKM) and Commander of
"Arabkir" battalion, appeared in the RoA Appellate Court with posters,
"My husband is a political prisoner," "We demand a fair trial."

Hovhannes Harutiunian is sued under Article 235 of the RoA Penal
Code. He is charged with "obtaining and keeping 30 cartridges in his
apartment as ammunition."

On March 28 the general jurisdiction court of Arabkir and
Kanaker-Zeitun communes brought in a verdict of guilty and sentenced
Hovhannes Harutiunian to a 1,5-year imprisonment.

Today when Hovhannes Harutiunian was taken into the courtroom the
presentees began applauding and shouting. "Freedom, freedom!" People
kept shouting even after the arrival of Justice Margarita Simonian.

Hovhannes Harutiunian was in handcuffs. "Look at my brother! He is
chained. Do they fear he may flee?" the commander’s sister said.

The trial was adjourned. Lawyer Vardan Zurnachian didn’t attend
the court sitting for some unknown reasons. Besides, upon Hovhannes
Harutiunian’s request, one more lawyer Hovik Arsenian was involved
into the case hearing.

The court urged Hovik Arsenian to get familiarized with the case
material before the next sitting due on May 22.

Reminder: on May 13 the Appellate Court adjourned the trial of
Husik Baghdasarian, commander of a Masis battalion, on the same
grounds. Husik Baghdasarian also demands a second lawyer. Lawyer
Vardan Zurnachian has defended the interests of Hovhannes Harutiunian
and Husik Baghdasarian up to nowadays.