Today, reporter Gagik Shamshyan was found guilty by the Kentron and Nork-Marash Court of First Instance for verbally assaulting and ignoring the directives of Judge Gagik Avetisyan on August 5, 2008, during the court case of Smbat Ayvazyan.

Mr. Shamshyan, a photo-journalist for the “Aravot” and Chorrord “Ishkhanutyun” newspapers was sentenced to paying a fine of not less than thirty-fives times his salary. The reporter stated that if the Court of Appeals doesn’t overrule the verdict he will take the case to the European Court of Human Rights.

In a statement to the court Mr. Shamshyan noted, “All I wish to say is that I carried out my professional duties and that Judge Gagik Avetisyan not only hindered my work but the work of all the assembled reporters at the trial.” He went on to state that due to the machinations of Judge Avetisyan many other similar incidents have taken place and that as a result of these intrigues those in charge of the courts give false testimony.”

“I would like to quote from the great philosopher Chesterfield who stated that the last refuge of fools and cowards rests in falsehood and perfidy.”