22:00, 30 December 2008

Court of Armenia extends the custody of Atspanian who is on hunger strike

Today the first instance court of the communities Kentron-Nork-Marash in Armenia, chaired by judge Gayane Karakhanian, has granted the application of the investigation agency to extend the custody of Sarkis Atspanian, citizen of France who took part in the Karabakh war, by two more months.

S. Atspanian has been brought to the court from corrective labor establishment "Vardashen" where he has been held under custody from November 10. Vardan Arutiunian, human rights activist and member of the "Committee to Protect Political Prisoners", reports to the "Caucasian Knot" correspondent that S. Atspanian, despite general weakness and consequences of the 30-day hunger strike, was still able to make a speech at the court session in camera.

According to the human rights activist, Atspanian continues his hunger strike. Arutiunian also confirms that the employees of the French embassy are allowed to visit their compatriot.

Author: Lilit Ovanisyan

Source: CK correspondent