Today's court trial on the case of MP Sasun Mikaelian was held in a heated atmosphere accompanied by incidents.
People gathered in front of the court building expected Sasun Mikaelian to be amnestied like the other political prisoners. But they got disappointed after the court announced the verdict sentencing Sasun Mikaelian to 8 years' imprisonment.
Note that the prosecutor had demanded 9 years for the defendant.
Another NA MP Hakob Hakobian released earlier today arrived at the court before the sitting. He was welcomed with warm applauses in the yard of Common Jurisdiction Court of Kentron Marz.
As soon as the court sitting started court bailiffs denied Hakob Hakobian's entry to the courtroom. Only reporters and NA MP Armen Martirosian were allowed to the courtroom. When the latter inquired why Hakob Hakobian was denied access, the bailiffs said "because he is not included in the list."
Sasun Mikaelian's relatives were hardly able to enter the courtroom. Finding employees of the National Security Service inside the hall they got indignant and began shouting. But the NSS employees were indifferent to their complaints; they sat firmly occupying most seats. Just at that a scuffle broke out between reporters, citizens and bailiffs.
After the presentees calmed down Judge Hrayr Sargsian read the verdict. Meanwhile, Sasun Mikaelian began signing patriotic songs.
The judge retired immediately after announcing the verdict as the presentees burst out shouting.
