Babayan denies guilt in Baku appeal hearing

PanARMENIAN.Net - Appeal proceedings continued in Baku in the case involving former officials of the Republic of Artsakh, with David Babayan again rejecting the charges and Arkadi Ghukasyan's defense seeking his acquittal.

On July 7, the Baku Court of Appeal continued reviewing the appeals filed by former Artsakh President Arayik Harutyunyan, former Presidents Arkadi Ghukasyan and Bako Sahakyan, former National Assembly Speaker David Ishkhanyan, former Foreign Minister David Babayan, former Defense Army Commander Levon Mnatsakanyan and others.

At the beginning of the hearing, the presiding judge announced that the court had received the translation of a motion submitted during the previous session by David Ishkhanyan through his lawyer. The hearing then proceeded with closing arguments, APA reported.

David Babayan, as at the previous hearing, stated that he does not plead guilty to the charges brought against him.

The court noted that statements by defendant Ishkhanyan had been submitted through his lawyer. He also expressed a wish to meet with his defense counsel. The presiding judge said arrangements would be made to allow a confidential meeting between them.

The court stated that the substance of the appeal corresponded to Ishkhanyan's previous statement and the appeal filed by his lawyer, and therefore the claims alleging procedural violations were not substantiated.

The court then announced its decision on the motion. According to the ruling, the issues raised in the motions were not granted because, at this stage, they were not related to the subject matter or merits of the case under consideration.

The hearing was then adjourned to allow Davit Ishkhanyan to hold a confidential meeting with his lawyer.

After the recess, Arkadi Ghukasyan's lawyers presented their arguments and asked the court to overturn the verdict against him and issue an acquittal.

The next hearing is scheduled for July 10.