YERKIR UNION
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ARMENIA
Contact: Robert Tatoyan
Mobile: +374 94 36 17 93
Email: rob@yerkir.org
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On October 16, 2009 the 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. Below is the full text of the statement
(English translation is made by "Yerkir" Union).

The Statement of the Javakheti Armenian political activist Vahagn Chakhalyan
on his refusal to participate in trial

On July 23, 2009 the Court of Appeals of Georgia began the hearings on the
verdict against my father – Ruben Chakhalyan, my younger brother- Armen
Chakhalyan and me.

As of today, the 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:

– The judicial proceedings still take place without my French lawyer,
Patrick Arapian, who was illegally denied registration by the Georgian
authorities;

– The judge rejects almost all defense motions on unacceptable grounds;

– 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,
October 16 , 2009

For more information, please, contact Vahagn Chakhalyan’s attorney Stepan
Voskanyan by phone (mobile): (+374) 91 38 37 30.