Georgian Interior Ministry bans French lawyer from defending Chakhalyan
The Georgian Ministry of Interior has rejected French lawyer Patrick Arapian's petition to defend Javakhk political activist Vahagn Chakhalyan, Yerkir Union told PanARMENIAN.Net.
The Ministry's letter addressed to Chakhalyan's mother, Gayane Chakhalyan, does not mention the reasons for denial. Although all essential documents were provided, the Ministry rejected appointment of Arapian as defender.
"The Georgian authorities once again proved that they can use any illegal means to convict Vahagn Chakhalyan," Yerkir Union said in its statement.
The Union calls on the international community to urge the Georgian authorities to stop the illegal court procedure against Chakhalyan.
At the night of July 20, 2008 Georgian special forces and the local police burst into the house of United Javakhk Leader Vahagn Chakhalyan, arrested him and his family members.
Only 3 hearings have been held since Chakhalyan's arrest, where the observers, including those from Georgian Ombudsman's office, registered gross violations.
On Dec. 3 new charges were laid against Chakhalyan and the trial was postponed for an indefinite period.
The Ministry's letter addressed to Chakhalyan's mother, Gayane Chakhalyan, does not mention the reasons for denial. Although all essential documents were provided, the Ministry rejected appointment of Arapian as defender.
"The Georgian authorities once again proved that they can use any illegal means to convict Vahagn Chakhalyan," Yerkir Union said in its statement.
The Union calls on the international community to urge the Georgian authorities to stop the illegal court procedure against Chakhalyan.
At the night of July 20, 2008 Georgian special forces and the local police burst into the house of United Javakhk Leader Vahagn Chakhalyan, arrested him and his family members.
Only 3 hearings have been held since Chakhalyan's arrest, where the observers, including those from Georgian Ombudsman's office, registered gross violations.
On Dec. 3 new charges were laid against Chakhalyan and the trial was postponed for an indefinite period.
