VAHAGN CHAKHALYAN REFUSES TO PARTICIPATE IN THE COURT HEARINGS

armradio.am
20.10.2009 17:07

Javakheti Armenian political activist Vahagn Chakhalyan, who is
currently being held in Rustavi strict regime detention facility number
6, gave his attorney- Stepan Voskanyan, a statement of refusal to
participate in the trial. Vahagn Chakhalyan stresses in the statement
that "the two previous two court sessions show that the proceedings
continue to be held with the same violations, as those committed
during the trial in the Court of First Instance."

Chakhalyan writes that the judicial proceedings still take place
without his French lawyer, Patrick Arapian, who was illegally denied
registration by the Georgian authorities.

"The judge rejects almost all defense motions on unacceptable
grounds and the Armenian translation of the court hearings is
totally inadequate and incomprehensible. Therefore, I do not have the
opportunity to adequately follow the course of the trial, as well as
to participate in it, that is – enjoy the minimum rights to protection,
provided for by all the domestic and international laws.

Under these circumstances, my participation in the court proceedings
would mean to legitimize, against my will, a shameful farce that
takes place in the courtroom. Therefore, from this time on I refuse
to participate in trial voluntarily," Vahagn Chakhalyan concludes.