Dear Editor: Thank you to everyone who has written and called us with regard to our legal case in Armenia after reading our 'Letter to the Editor' in your paper. The response has been overwhelming and positive! In Armenia, we have also received enormous support from all sectors of the citizenry - it is a response that encourages us to believe that it is possible to bring out change in the way things are done in Armenia. In the way of update for your readers, our appeal was heard by the Court of First Instance and on Dec. 9, as has been reported, the judge found that our case has a criminal basis and that George is the victim. He sent the case back to the Office of the Prosecutor General to be properly carried out. The courtroom was packed with observers for all 3 hearings. The hearings were taped and parts were presented in a special program on Armenia 's Court TV. (Yes, Armenia has Court TV!) Several major articles have appeared in newspapers in Armenia and Artsakh. We have received messages of support from many government officials, as well!

The Prosecutor General has appealed the judge's decision and we are now waiting for a second round of hearings to take place. We don't know how long this jostling back and forth can go on, but as long as it does, we are committed to sticking with it. The Prosecutor General is basing some of his arguments to have the case thrown out on the fact that Carolann tried to negotiate a settlement with the so-called 'friend' when she was in Armenia in September. The reasoning goes something like this: "How could you negotiate with a 'criminal?' Therefore, he must not be a criminal". Well, when the Prosecutor General told Carolann, "I make the laws" and "in my opinion this is not a criminal case," she thought it would be best to bring the whole thing to an end by paying the "friend" off, getting the properties back, and ending the whole thing. It didn't work. What is the saying, "Damned if you do."

Now we are in a waiting game to see what will happen next. We are hoping that all of the support, letters, calls we have received will continue. We have decided to continue our humanitarian work in Armenia (which is not at all involved in this lawsuit) given the major support we've received from people in all walks of life - people we don't know but who have come forward with offers of help. As difficult as this process has been, the support we have received has gone a long way to soothe the pain and will, we have no doubt, keep us committed to fighting the corruption with which we are confronted.

Thank you again! 
Sincerely,

Carolann and George Najarian
[email protected]