Epress.am News from Armenia
The Court of General Jurisdiction of Kentron and Nork Marash Administrative Districts at a closed-door session today decided to grant investigator Tonyan's requrest to move political activist Shant Harutyunyan (pictured), arrested on Nov 5, to the Nubarashen psychiatric clinic to undergo psychological assessment for two months.
Harutyunyan's attorney, Inesa Petrosyan, said usually a psychological assessment lasts 21 to 24 days, reported Aravot.am.
Judge Artak Vardanyan made public the concluding part of his decision. According to Harutyunyan's attorney, her client objected, saying he is not mentally ill. Asked by Aravot's correspondent what was the basis of the investigator's request, Harutyunyan's attorney said an expert opinion in 2009 concluded that though Harutyunyan was not suffering from mental illness, the court ruled him insane and therefore, not responsible for the deed committed. Recall, Shant Harutyunyan was arrested after the events of Mar. 1–2, 2008, and accused of organizing mass riots.
Asked about the condition of Harutyunyan's health in court today, his attorney said that it was stable. Were there signs of violence on him or was he subjected to violence during the investigation, the attorney, Inesa Petrosyan was asked, to which she answered that Shant didn't want to talk about that, saying it will soon be discussed. Harutyunyan has not yet testified.
Petrosyan mentioned as well that her client will likely spend a few days in Yerevan Kentron penitentiary before being taken to the psychiatric clinic.
Recall, on November 5, Harutyunyan and a group of his supporters (some of whom were wearing Guy Fawkes' masks) declared the start of a "revolution," intending to march to the presidential palace. Ahead of the march, Harutyunyan said they don't want any bloodshed, but they have long, wooden rods and petrol bombs and they will fight back if they are provoked. The march ended before it began with dozens of protestors arrested. Police say activists threw what turned out to be magnesium flash bombs, injuring officers, while activists say there were plainclothes officers("provocateurs") among them who instigated the clashes with riot police. In the end, of the 38 activists detained, 20 were formally charged, among them Harutyunyan.