15:45, 27 September 2013

Nagorno-Karabakh: CoA postpones decision in case against students sentenced for espionage

Relatives of the defendants in the yard of The Court of Appeal. Nagorno-Karabakh, Stepanakert, September 27, 2013. Photo by Alvard Grigoryan for the "Caucasian Knot"

The Court of Appeal (CoA) of Nagorno-Karabakh has decided to continue the consideration of the appeal filed by advocates in the case against students Rafael Avagyan and David Barsegyan, who were sentenced to 11 and 10 years of imprisonment for treason and espionage, respectively.

The "Caucasian Knot" has reported that Rafik Avagyan and David Barsegyan were detained in March 2013. According to the prosecutors' version, they passed on information of state importance to Samvel Azatyan, a special agent of foreign services, residing in Istanbul. Both students deny their guilt.

"The Court of Appeal has decided to continue the consideration of the case against Rafael Avagyan and David Barsegyan to investigate some more inaccuracies," said Judge Lilia Avanesyan, who chaired the court session.

The Court of Appeal of Nagorno-Karabakh has granted the defendant's request and rescheduled the next court session for September 30.

Author: Alvard Grigoryan

Source: CK correspondent