Information regarding our legal battle in Armenia – Update as of March 10, 2005

Dear Friends:

We are thrilled to tell you that we won this second round of appeals! The Prosecutor General's office lost their appeal. The court held the hearing as scheduled. The investigators had nothing to present except a letter written by Igityan (more likely written by the two investigators) in which he accuses our attorneys of being criminals, of trying to bribe him to drop the case (a twisted reference to the offer I made to him to settle), and accuses us of threatening his life (his life may be threatened by the people with whom he is 'doing business') and pleads with Kocharyan to put and end to this matter.

The investigators had nothing else to say in support of their appeal which they filed with this court. On the other hand, our attorneys read their statement (41 pages long) addressing everything that substantiates our claim and presented it to the court.

After this, the judges adjourned for one hour. Everyone waited. When they returned they read their decision: Najarian is a victim, this is a criminal case, the appeal is denied, the decision of the Court of First Intention is upheld, and the dismissal of the case by the Prosecutor General is overturned.

The courtroom was packed! Those present reacted with applause and cheers. There were countless TV and newspaper journalists present. Ashot said that it will be on TV tonight and tomorrow and in the press.

Emails are beginning to come in to us from people who were there or have heard about the decision -- '...it is a victory for All Armenians!" Our prayers have been answered. We see this a sign of hope for our fledgling Hayastan.

Thank to all of you who have helped so much to mobilize friends and family, contacted journalists, written letters to officials and to the press, and done so much to support us in this fight.

The Prosecutor General's office has 10 days to appeal. We believe they will ..... but who knows? maybe they will come to their senses and bring this to an end.

Medz sirvo,
Carolann and George