The legal case against Vahagn Chakhalyan is a political order

PanARMENIAN.Net - The legal case against United Javakhk Democratic Alliance leader Vahagn Chakhalyan is Tbilisi's political order, Javahk Expatriates' Community Leader, RA MP Shirak Torosyan told a news conference in Yerevan.



"Chakhalyan was sentenced to 10 years in prison for his political views and public activities. All charges against him were disproved for lack of evidence," he noted.



According to Shirak Torosyan, the trial was directed not at Chakhalyan family only, but at the whole Armenian population in the region. "Georgian authorities are conducting intimidation policy. But we won't leave Chakhalyan'с case at that. The Armenian activist's family will appeal to higher courts."





On Apr. 6-7 Akhaltskhe regional court held final hearing of the case of Javakhk political activist, United Javakhk Movement Leader Vahagn Chakhalyan, as well as his father and brother Ruben and Armen Chakhalyans.





The public prosecutor demanded 14-year imprisonment and 18 000 lari fine ($10,650) for Vahagn Chakhalyan, 4-year imprisonment and 6000 lari fine ($3550) for Ruben Chakhalyan and 3-year suspended sentence and 3000 lari fine ($1750) for Armen Chakhalyan.



The court found Ruben Chakhalyan guilty under article 236.1 (purchase and possession of arms) and article 225.2 (participation in disorders) and imposed to 5,000 lari ($3000) on him.



Armen Chakhalyan will have to pay a 2,000 lari ($1,200) fine under article 236.1 (purchase and possession of arms).



Chakhalyans are going to appeal the verdict in the court of superior jurisdiction and European Court of Human Rights.



Yerkir Union has labeled the verdicts as a shameful outcome of the legal procedure.