Today, July 19, there was a protest outside the trial court of the regions of Ararat and Vayots Dzor. Another session on Mariam Gevorgyan’s case was held in the court. The court session was behind closed doors. The coalition Against Violence Against Women and citizens concerned about Mariam’s case.
Let us remind that Mariam’s mother-in-law Haykanush Mikayelyan committed abuses against her daughter-in-law with her son Davit Ziroyan. Mariam married D. Ziroyan in November 2009, she moved to Saint Petersburg in December of the same year, where the girl underwent beating and abuses for 10 months. After returning to Yerevan, Gevorgyan reported to the police, charges were brought against the husband in accordance with the articles Battery and Beating, according to which he could be arrested for 3 years. According to the decision of the court, Ziroyan has been pardoned by the President of the Republic of Armenia on the event of the 20th anniversary of the Republic of Armenia. Charges brought against Haykanush Mikayelyan were in accordance with Articles 113 (battery) and 119 (abuses) of the Criminal Code.
Those standing in front of the court shouted “shame,” they were opposed by citizens who had come to defend Mariam’s mother-in-law and husband who shouted “free, freedom.”
Those people gathered in support of Mariam Gevorgyan claimed that they had come to demand a just trial, the majority of them were Mariam’s relatives and neighbors, they knew the girl was from a smart and modest family, “They took the kid and abused. I don’t know what decision the court will make, but we are against the court’s decision. All facts are there; why do they delay it for so long?” said one of the people gathered.
Those defending Mariam complained about legal injustice and pointed out those on the opposite side, “They are not ashamed, they have given money to kids to come and hold banners and shout. If you go and ask, no one of them will be a relative,” they said.
People gathered on the opposite side of the street introduced themselves as friends and relatives of the defense. “What those media websites write is all wrong. No one has a proof that they have beaten the daughter-in-law, where are the proofs, everyone tells lies. There are no facts. No one of you knows the truth,” a woman introducing herself as Haykanush Mikayelyan’s relative assured.
Hripsime HOVHANNISYAN
