FAMOUS TURKISH STUDIES SCIENTIST MURAD BOJOLIAN INDICTED OF ESPIONAGE IN FAVOR OF TURKEY REFUSED BARRISTER

PanARMENIAN.Net - Famous scientist of Turkish studies Murad Bojolian, who was detained January 26 by Armenian special services due to indictment in espionage in favor of Turkey, refused the services of his barrister Ruben Balabanian. Bojolian's spouse Ludmila stated in the conversation with the "Arminfo" agency correspondent that she had initiated her husband's refusal from the barrister's services. In her words, Balabanian's activity made her arrive at a conclusion that he was not impartial and moreover, cooperated with the special services. In Lyudmila Bojolian's words, the lawyer intimidated the family, especially after it appealed to the Helsinki association. Besides, in her words, having received honorarium of $500, Balabanian blackmailed her husband saying he did not receive the money. Lyudmila Bojolian noted that the problem of finding a new lawyer would be solved soon. She met with her husband only once. She is sure her husband is innocent. In her words, after Murad Bojolian gets a new barrister, she may come out with a statement. Let us remind that Murad Bojolian is accused of breaking 59-th paragraph of the Criminal Code ("Fatherland betrayal via espionage"), which provides for 10-15 years of imprisonment or death penalty. Bojolian is a rather famous person - he headed the Department of Turkey in the Republic of Armenia Ministry of Foreign Affairs at the beginning of 1990-es. He worked as Turkish interpreter at the machinery of first President of Armenia Levon Ter-Petrosian.