Interfax, Russia
Feb 26 2009

Trial of opposition activists resumes in Yerevan

YEREVAN Feb 26

After eight unsuccessful attempts, the trial of former Armenian
Foreign Minister Alexander Arzumanian, three parliamentary deputies
and opposition activists – the Trial of the Seven -restarted in
Yerevan on Thursday.

The defendants are Arzumanian, deputies Myasnik Malkhasian, Sasun
Mikaelian, Akop Akopian, and three opposition activists, who stand
accused of participation in the mass unrest on March 1, 2008, which
involved murder, an attempted seizure of state power, violence against
officials, and illegal acquisition and possession of weapons,
ammunition and explosives.

The hearings on Thursday had several recesses, announced by Judge
Mnatsakan Martirosian to discuss the defense lawyers’ requests for
replacing the judge. All the requests were rejected as inexpedient,
the judge said.

After the presidential elections on February 19, 2008 the Armenian
opposition, led by ex-President Levon Ter-Petrosian, announced it did
not recognize the outcome of the elections and organized protest
rallies which deteriorated into the opposition activists’ clashes with
police.

Ten people were killed and over 250 injured in the unrest.