January 9th, the trial was postponed again...

The Trial of the Seven continued on the 9th. The Seven refused to stand, at which the judge continued to take offense. He adjourned the court for 30 minutes, but came back 70 minutes later. Somewhere in that time, Sasun Mikaelyan and Hakob Hakobyan began singing revolutionary songs, which they continued to do even when the judge came back. He then postponed the trial, yet again, until the 13th of January.

The reporters have to be in a separate room, on the second floor, where they watch the proceedings on a large screen, with very poor sound quality. Some are allowed in to the courtroom itself, but they are not allowed to record anything. Arzumanyan said, “The judge has not made such a decision during the session. In that case, who is there above the judge that has made such a decision between the 2 sessions? The answer to this question is very essential for our further collaboration.” Many journalists have made a statement regarding this issue (see below).

Arzumanyan also questioned the fact that the judge has not asked the 7 why they don't stand: “The other time you postponed the session without even asking why we did not stand up. Maybe we suffer from rheumatism; maybe we are ill and present a note from a doctor.”

There is continued concern that there will be provocations within the courtroom, by characters who have been brought in for that purpose, who would then provoke family members and supporters of the 7. For this reason, family members heeded the request of the 7 and did not go into the few spaces offered to them in the courtroom.
The video below is similar whether you watch in from e-channel or a1plus. At some point in the beginning of both you can hear the Revolutionary song being sung - I think its Hakob Hakobyan in the back singing. For those interested - the song you hear starting at 0:44 is Fedayi, the lyrics of which are available transliterated, online, thanks to the ARF.


Sources:
e-channel article
a1plus article (Armenian)
tert article (Armenian) (source of photo)
RFE/RL
Journalists' Statement (English, Lragir) (Armenian, a1plus)

No room for family...

The Trial of the Seven keeps getting postponed. They keep pushing out more and more supporters, press, family, and either filling the courtroom with strangers, who are potentially paid, or leaving it empty. I'm not sure who this is benefiting - sure its easier for the judge to put it off, giving him more time, but is there another motive, another deadline to meet? Or is the banditocracy trying to bring things to such a head that things implode, on a small scale, and they can use it against the Opposition, against the People, against the Seven.
There are many videos getting posted almost daily - see the YouTube channel for a1plus, especially.
All of the videos about the court hearings are worth watching, but this video caught my attention.

The woman whom you see upset in the very beginning is the sister of Alik Arzumanyan, one of the Seven. Here is a rough translation of what she is saying:
“I’m going to pass. Let me go, I’m going to pass… Let the whole world see that they are not letting through the only sister of the RoA’s first ambassador: Arzumanyan, Neta (?)”[The a1plus article has her as Nelli Arzumanyan]

The other individuals interviewed on the video, who also speak very well, are:
Melissa Brown – Activist, wife of Alexander Arzumanyan
Arshavir Bozinyan- Azatamart
Aram Sargsyan – President of the “Republic” party
Mikael Danielyan – Human Rights Defender

Jahangiryan's trial is continuing, and he continues to dominate the courtroom. In fact, after basically calling the case and the court a farce, telling the entire courtroom that everything is biased and it wouldn't matter if the judge and the policeman on the stand switched places, and citing article after article of law, he pulls out a prepared speech, and calls the entire thing unconstitutional. He continues in this manner, but then wishes everyone success in their endeavours.

Gor Kloyan's Father Speaks Out...

A1plus put out a short article and a video...

Watch this video. Gor Kloyan's father explains that he refuses to stand for a judge and prosecutor who refused to stand when there was a moment of silence for the victims of March 1-2.

There is so much to be said, so much to be applauded, in the actions of the Seven, and ALL of the political prisoners.

What strikes me so much is the Dignity with which these individuals carry themselves. They are Proud, and they bring pride to their families and the true Armenia in their actions. They risk everything in pursuing to the end the principles which they believe to be right.

What strikes me too is the refusal to be victimed. Armenians, at least in the Diaspora, have thrived on defining themselves through victimization. Jahangiryan, the Seven, beaten Journalists, those who continue to come out to demonstrations and speak out, and so many others have shown all of us what true belief in principles is.

Today is December 19th...

And so starts the Trial of the Seven.
Here's the first video from A1plus, and a brief article by them as well.