21:00, 13 February 2009

In Armenia, litigation can now take place without defendants

Today, a law was passed in Armenia, according to which the judge has now the right to remove defendants out of the courtroom for exhibiting disrespect of the court. Should any advocates refuse to take part in the trial, the judge has powers to appoint new advocates. The law has come into force after ratification by President of Armenia Serzh Sargsyan (Sarkisyan).

On February 4, the National Assembly of Armenia adopted the bill by majority of votes. The deputies from the oppositional faction "Heritage" and independent deputy Victor Dallakyan voted against it.

The "Caucasian Knot" has reported that earlier numerous sessions on the "Case of Seven" were cancelled by the judge "because of disrespectful attitude of the defendants" expressed by their unwillingness to stand up when the judge entered the courtroom.

Author: Lilit Ovanisyan

Source: CK correspondent