YEREVAN (Yerevan News Service)–The long-awaited appeals hearing for so-called "Dro" Trial finally convened Thursday–with defense attorneys calling for a repeal or lessening of their client’s sentence.
Presiding judge Henrik Danielian read the sentences and the appeals filed by each defendant–following which defense attorneys appealed for either an end to their clients’ sentences.
Attorney Rouben Rshduni–representing Armen Munjoyan–Hamlet Matevossian representing Armen Zakarian–Marina Halabian representing Hovaness Mkrtchyan–Albert Karamian representing Tatul Gabrielian and Armen Grigorian–Rouzanna Khatchatrian representing Edik Simonian–Jora Khatchatian representing Gegham Manoukian–Anahid Yessayan representing Hrant Markarian–Rouben Sahakian representing Ara Hamandarian–each argued that their cases in front of the judge.
Their attorneys argued that evidence presented during the trial was illegally obtained and pointed to numerous constitutional and criminal code violations during the trial.
The court of appeals session–however–recessed since defense attorney Vahagn Avazian said that his brief was lengthy and would require an entire court session to be read.
The next court session was scheduled for Monday.