Tense Situation at Azati Military Base Hearing; Session Postponed

The court session regarding the fire incident at the military barracks in the village of Azat, Gegharkunik Province, has been postponed.

Attorney Vahagn Hakobyan submitted a motion for the disqualification of Judge Vardan Harutyunyan, which was immediately rejected. One of the defense attorneys also filed a motion to change the preventive measure for the accused Gor Aghekyan.

The attorney argued that even under house arrest, it would be possible to ensure his proper behavior. The request included a suggestion for the court to consider an alternative combined measure, namely house arrest, a prohibition on leaving, and bail. The attorney emphasized that Aghekyan and his family own one piece of property in Armenia valued at 17 million drams. Therefore, the family is ready to pledge the house and pay that amount.

The court decided that another accused, Marlen Sargsyan, must be present at the next court hearing, regardless of the sanctions imposed on him.

It should be noted that the session was periodically tense. Earlier, it was reported that the hearing concerning the 15 soldiers who died in the barracks began with disputes that resulted in sanctions against their parents.