Associated Press Worldstream
December 19, 2008 Friday 7:12 PM GMT

Armenian election violence trial begins

YEREVAN Armenia

A former foreign minister and three lawmakers have gone on trial for
their role in riots that broke out in the Armenian capital after the
February presidential election.

Demonstrators protesting alleged vote fraud clashed with police in
Yerevan, leaving 10 people dead, hundreds injured and prompting a
sweeping state of emergency.

Prosecutors have charged ex-Foreign Minister Alexander Arzumanian,
three parliament members and three others in connection with the
violence.

Western observers gave an overall positive assessment of the vote, but
noted serious flaws. Serge Sarkisian, an ally of outgoing President
Robert Kocharian, won the election.

The trial is being closely watched by Armenia’s political elite, as
well as foreign observers.