DO THEY THREATEN ADVOCATES?

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[07:59 pm] 24 November, 2008

The Council of Armenian Advocates’ Chamber has renewed Advocate
Mushegh Shushanyan’s license. The latter presents the interests of
five detainees in connection to March 1 events.

Remind that under Article 38 of the RoA Law on "Legal Profession" the
Chamber had revoked the advocate’s license relying on the information
submitted by the Criminal Investigation Department. The Court of
Kentron and Nork-Marash districts at the head of Judge Arshak Petrosyan
has taken proceedings against Advocate Mushegh Shushanyan. Shushanyan
is accused of disrespectful attitude towards Court.

Mushegh Shushanyan says he is sued for carrying out his duties and
presenting the interests of the five detainees. During the court
ruling of Vardges Gaspar Shushanyan had announced that courts execute
political orders and left the courtroom.

Mushegh Shushanyan will continue to work by the time the court
passes sentence on him. The Advocate is convinced that he will be
found guilty. "I shall be either fined kept in custody for a month,"
says Shushanyan.

Note that last week 20 advocates made an announcement in defence
of their colleague and refused to provide legal service to judges,
prosecutors, investigators and their family members.

They also demanded to institute legal proceedings against Judge Arsahk
Petrosyan as the latter had made numerous rough violations. Shushanyan
notes that Armenian courts hold a tough stance towards the advocates
presenting the interests of detainees of the March 1-2.