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| Title | Armenian court cites mental illness in suspending activist's trial |
| Publisher | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |
| Country | Armenia |
| Publication Date | 10 March 2009 |
| Cite as | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Armenian court cites mental illness in suspending activist's trial, 10 March 2009, available at: http://www.unhcr.org/refworld/docid/49b68d28c.html [accessed 16 February 2012] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
Armenian court cites mental illness in suspending activist's trial
March 10, 2009
Former Foreign Minister Aleksandr Arzumanian (left) defends himself during his trial in Yerevan in December.
YEREVAN – Judicial proceedings against an Armenian opposition leader have been suspended due to a court-ordered report of mental illness, RFE/RL's Armenian Service reports.
The defendant, Shant Harutiunian, is one of seven opposition activists who was arrested after a skirmish between police and opposition-led protesters left 10 dead and hundreds injured last year after the presidential election.
Harutiunian's family and six fellow defendants protested the psychiatrist's diagnosis.
"Shant Harutiunian does not need psychiatric aid," defendant Suren Sirunian said.
Another defendant, former Foreign Minister Aleksandr Arzumanian, said the judge fabricated the insanity plea.
Arzumanian's lawyer agreed that the medical evaluation should be made public, and called the court suspension "premature."
The seven defendants have been accused of the provocation of "mass disorders" and "usurpation of state power."
Topics: Abuse of psychiatry, Opposition,
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