Lawyers repeat their petition for Russian military servicemen to be removed from the premises considered to be an Armenian court. (The Armenian trial of Permyakov is being held in the territory of the Russian military base in Gyumri).
The judge rejected the petition, explaining that Valery Permyakov is a citizen of Russia and Russian servicemen ensure his security.
Sakunts called the judge's decision a violation of the Armenian law.
The defendant, Permyakov, speaking in Russian, through an interpreter, confirms he is familiar with his rights and obligations and has no objections against his Armenian defense attorneys or other participants in the trial.
The counsel for the defense asked for 30 working days to get familiarized with the case files. Representatives of the legal successors of the victims said they did not object, since they considered it important to provide all necessary conditions for proper defense in the case. One of them at the same time asked for “normal” conditions to be provided at the next sitting of the court.
Avetisyan family lawyers want to make a petition about relocating the trial to another location – an Armenian court – before deciding whether to “challenge” the judge. They say it is not appropriate to conduct the trial in the territory of a Russian military base and in the presence of Russian servicemen. The lawyers want the petition to be discussed today before they trial is adjourned.
The trial has been adjourned.
The next sitting of the court in the Permyakov trial is scheduled for January 18.