08 October 2013, 12:38
CoA of Nagorno-Karabakh upholds verdict to students convicted for espionage
The Court of Appeal (CoA) of Nagorno-Karabakh has ruled to dismiss the complaint of the defence of the students David Barsegyan and Rafael Avakyan, convicted for treason in the form of espionage to 11 and 10 years of imprisonment respectively.
The "Caucasian Knot" has reported that Rafael Avakyan and David Barsegyan were detained in March 2013. According to the prosecution, they passed some data of state importance to Samvel Azatyan, a special agent of foreign services, living in Istanbul. The Court delivered its verdict on July 23, but it was appealed against by the defence.
Arkady Israelyan, the advocate of David Barsegyan, said that he would prepare documents for a petition to the Supreme Court of Nagorno-Karabakh.
The CoA has ruled unfairly, relatives of David Barsegyan and Rafael Avakyan assert. They are going to look for other ways to acquit their children, up to addressing international human rights organizations, the "Caucasian Knot" correspondent reports.
Let us remind you that both students denied their guilt. At the court hearing on June 25, Rafael Avakyan said that he had not known that he committed a crime.
Author: Alvard Grigoryan Source: CK correspondent
