The trial on the case “Shant Harutyunyan and friends” was launched in the court of general jurisdiction in Kentron and Nork-Marash administrative regions. Shant Harutyunyan and friends were brought to the courtroom and were welcomed by chantings “Heroes!”. Today defendants and their lawyers come up with defense speeches. There are also many people in front of the court, who are not allowed to enter as there is no more place inside. So the trial has become a certain spontaneous action.
Hovhannes Kocharyan, lawyer of the accused Misak Arakelyana, Vahe Mkrtchyan and Albert Mkrtchyan said that Shant Harutyunyan`s march was not only peaceful but also lawful, but the police incited a clash. “On 5 November they attempted to capture the government`s attention on the grave situation in the country”.
The lawyer of the accused Mkrtich Hovhannisyan mentioned that on the day of those events his defendant was just 18 years old. He added that his defendant has accepted his fault, that he had always had a good behaviour not only in his residence but also at his educational institution. The lawyer petitioned to free the defendant from the court room.
Shant Harutyunyan`s defender Inessa Petrosyan reminded in her speech that on the day of incident there were provocators at the Freedom Square, one of whom approached Shant and incited provocative actions. And then she added that passing to the Mashtots avenue a victim of the case police-officer Gegham Khachatryan attacked and hit Shant Harutyunyan without any warning.
Details are coming.
