The aggrieved party in the case of obstructing Narine Avetisyan’s journalistic activity is to submit a request for recusal of the judge
19:26, March 22, 2018 | News, Own newsToday, on March 22, 2018, the examination of the case of obstructing editor-in-chief of “Lori” TV company Narine Avetisyan’s journalistic activity commenced at the Court of General Jurisdiction of Lori Province.
It should be recalled that the incident occurred on the bridge adjacent to the Church of the Holy Mother of God in Vanadzor on September 28, 2017, when Narine Avetisyan attempted to shoot the asphalt paving works that were being conducted in the pouring rain.
HCA Vanadzor Chairman Artur Sakunts and HCA Vanadzor advocate S. Soghomonyan undertook the defense of her rights.
V. Khachatryan and T. Nazaryan are accused of committing a crime under Article 164 (1) of the RA Criminal Code (obstruction of lawful journalistic activities).
Today’s court hearing commenced with a delay; the reason was the fact that the defendants and their defendant G. Galikyan were late for it.
As soon as the court hearing commenced, the defendants announced that they did not want to be filmed or photographed. Presiding Judge L. Abgaryan claimed that it was invasion of privacy and urged the journalists to carry out the filming within the first 5 minutes of the court hearing. As stated by the judge, the journalists were obstructing the work of the court.
Although A. Sakunts, the representative of the aggrieved, stated that it could not be considered as invasion of privacy owing to the court hearing being open and public, Judge L. Abgaryan insisted on her position. Following this, A. Sakunts expressed his willingness to request recusal of the judge.
As the court hearing was scheduled for 5.00 pm and commenced with a delay, the judge adjourned the court hearing for 11.30 am on April 30, 2018 in order to give the aggrieved party the opportunity to file a motion to recuse the judge.