23:40, 27 May 2009

Advocate of "Armenian Time": Kocharyans sue to close the paper

The family of Kocharyan, ex-President of Armenia, lodged a claim against the oppositional newspaper "Armenian Time", willing to close the edition and make its publisher bankrupt. This was stated by advocate Tigran Atanesyan at the court judicial session on May 26. In his opinion, the verdict of the court is completely predefined: it will satisfy the claimant.

"This story will become a very dangerous precedent in hands of the incumbent authorities against free press. The litigation follows the track, favourable for the claimant. However, people should know: it's impossible to shut up the free press! I have no hopes on our judicial system, and I've no illusions," said the advocate.

Mr Atanesyan has re-submitted his petition about self-disqualification of the judge.

The next court session is to take place on June 5 with announcement of the verdict.

Author: Lilit Ovanisyan

Source: CK correspondent