Journalists Prohibited From Sitting In on Trial of Armenian-American Businessman Accused of Pedophilia

The trial of president and owner of Metal Prince Ltd. Corporation and Akhtala Ore Processing Plant CJSC Serop Der-Boghossian, who was arrested in February on sex abuse charges, began in the Lori District Court of First Instance today.

As reported by Hetq Online, Der-Boghossian refused to enter the courtroom in the presence of reporters. Upon a motion by his attorney, journalists were prohibited from sitting in on the trial.

As previously reported, Der-Boghossian is charged under RA Criminal Code Article 139 Section 2 Paragraph 3 (violent sexual acts done against a minor) and Section 3 (“The actions mentioned in part 1 or 2 of this Article done against an aggrieved under 14 years of age”). The RA General Prosecutor, in an earlier statement, stated that, between 2004–2010, Der-Boghossian paid young boys, orphans from poor families, “to have sexual intercourse with him against their will.”

If found guilty, Der-Boghossian faces up to 15 years of imprisonment.

The trial, reported Hetq Online, was later postponed to Jul. 21 so that attorneys could familiarize themselves with the case materials.