Epress.am News from Armenia
Medical examiners Dr. Sargsyan and Dr. Melikyan testified in court on Sept. 30 as part of the ongoing Zaruhi Petrosyan murder trial, the Coalition to Stop Violence Against Women in Armenia reported. Dr. Melikyan stated that he did not find any traces of poison upon examination of the body. Thus, the defense’s claim that Zaruhi tied from self-inflicted poisoning was refuted.
Also refuted was the claim that Zaruhi’s cause of death and injuries were from falling down the stairs. According to Dr. Sargsyan, she could not have received such injuries by falling down the stairs.
Then the defense presented several motions, including:
- a re-examination of the body (that is, the autopsy);
- the re-examination of the following witnesses: Asia Zakaryan, David Hakobyan and Hayastan Petrosyan’
- a re-examination of Zaruhi Petrosyan’s phone; and
- a court appointment of a psychological examination of the accused, Yanis Sarkisov.
All motions were rejected.
The prosecution stated that all witnesses were examined and gave their testimonies, which were crystal clear, while all such actions are merely aimed at delaying the trial.
The judge declared the trial’s examination period completed. He then gave both parties 10 days to prepare for the next stage of the trial when parties will debate the facts.
The next court session will be held on Oct. 14 at 12 pm.
Recall, 20-year-old Petrosyan died on Oct. 1, 2010, as a result of repeated psychological and physical abuse at the hands of her husband (Sarkisov) and his mother. Subsequently, a group of 7 local NGOs formed the Coalition to Stop Violence Against Women in Armenia and are monitoring the case.
The Coalition has organized a candlelight vigil to mark the one-year anniversary of Zaruhi’s death and invites all those interested to participate in the vigil which will take place near Swan Lake in Yerevan at 6 pm today.