STRASBOURG, 28 JANUARY, ARMENPRESS. The hearings in “Perinçek vs. Switzerland” case at the Grand Chamber of the European Court of Human Rights are over. As “Armenpress” reports, the European Court will announce a verdict in relation to the case within 6-8 months.
During the trial, attorney Jeffrey Robertson emphasized the fact that the modern world has to live freely, without hatred and discrimination. In his speech, Robertson referred to Talaat Pasha as the Turkish Hitler.
Amal Clooney touched upon the gloomy picture of freedom of speech in Turkey and human rights violations. Clooney also touched upon the murder of Hrant Dink, emphasizing the fact that it was committed by Turk nationalists. The protest was accompanied by a protest act.
Armenians and Turks are holding a protest in front of the court building. Dozens of police officers and police cars are overseeing the participants of the protest. The supporters of the Armenian side are screaming “1915 Never Again” and “It Is Time”.
Perinçek was the first to speak during the first session that began at 12:15 Yerevan time. According to rules, the next speakers will be the delegations of Switzerland (as the defendant), as well as the delegations of Armenia and Turkey.
Representing the Armenian side will be Plenipotentiary Representative of the Government of Armenia at the European Court of Human Rights Gevorg Kostanyan, as well as two international lawyers representing Armenia’s interests at the ECHR, Amal Clooney and Jeffrey Robertson.
On March 9, 2007, the Swiss court had convicted Doğu Perinçek under Article 216 of the Criminal Code for denying the Armenian Genocide, subjecting him to financial and criminal liability. The Court of Appeals of Vo Canton and the Federal Supreme Court had denied the appeal submitted against the March 9 verdict.
On December 17, 2013, the ECHR had ruled in favor of Perinçek’s lawsuit that was filed against Switzerland, according to which Swiss courts had violated Perinçek’s right to freedom of speech
Photos: Armenpress
