Vahagn Chakhalyan has applied to Georgian Constitutional Court, with a claim to recognize unconstitutional the recent legislative change prohibiting foreign defense lawyers’ activity in Georgia, “Yerkir” Union reported to PanARMENIAN.Net.
“On November 10, 2009, Javahk political activist Vahagn Chakhalyan lodged a claim with Georgian Constitutional Court for recognizing legislative change unconstitutional.
On June 19, 2009 Georgian parliament amended Criminal Procedure Code, removing article allowing foreign defense lawyers’ activity in Georgia. Guided by such amendment, Georgian Constitutional Court refused to satisfy the claim.”
While preparing documents, Chakhalyan benefited from the assistance of “Human Rights Center” NGO lawyer Nino Andriashvili.
On April 7, 2009, the first instance court of Akhaltske region, found Chakhalyan guilty of crimes prescribed by Section 1, Article 236 (acquisition and maintenance of arms and ammunition), Article 226 (organization of, and active participation in, mass events violating public order) and point b. Section 2, Article 239 (Hooliganism against
representative of authorities) of Georgian Criminal Code. Chakhalyan was sentenced to 10 years in prison.
Activist’s father Ruben Chakhalyan was found guilty of crimes prescribed by Section 1, Article 236 (acquisition and maintenance of arms and ammunition) and Article 226 (organization of, and active participation in, mass events violating public order) of Georgian Criminal Code and conditionally sentenced to 5 years’ of imprisonment replaceable by fine in the amount of 5000 Laris (equivalent to USD 3000). His brother – Armen Chakhalyan – accused under Section 1 Article 236 (acquisition and maintenance of arms and ammunition) of Georgian Criminal Code, was conditionally sentenced to 2 years’ imprisonment replaceable by fine in the amount of 2000 Laris (about USD 1200).
On October 30, 2009, Georgian Appellate Court left lower court’s decision unchanged.
