23:48, 14 May 2019

Supporters and opponents of Robert Kocharyan gather outside court building

An opponent of Robert Kocharyan holds a poster saying, "A life sentence!". Photo by Tigran Petrosyan for the "Caucasian Knot"

David Grigoryan dismissed the motion filed by advocates of former Armenian president Robert Kocharyan concerning disqualification of the judge. The police warned supporters and opponents of Robert Kocharyan, gathered in front of the court building, against provocations.

The "Caucasian Knot" has reported that at the first court hearing in the case held on May 13, the defence questioned the judge's impartiality and requested his disqualification.

David Grigoryan became the third judge brought to disciplinary responsibility in Robert Kocharyan's case. However, he found the arguments of the defence unsubstantiated and refused to recuse himself against the background of protests organized by opponents and supporters of Robert Kocharyan.

The police divided the opponents and supporters of the former Armenian president. According to the law enforcement bodies, the number of protestors on each side does not exceed 100 people.

Robert Kocharyan's supporters demand to release the second Armenian president. They believe the case is politically motivated.

This article was originally published on the Russian page of 24/7 Internet agency ‘Caucasian Knot’ on May 14, 2019 at 01:28 pm MSK. To access the full text of the article, click here.

Author: Tigran Petrosyan

Source: CK correspondent