Gayane Papoyan, attorney for imprisoned Masis mayor David Hambardzumyan, released a video included in his criminal case, which she says demonstrates his innocence. Papoyan accused Judge Zhora Chichoyan of sentencing “an innocent man” and imposing a punishment “unprecedented in court practice,” Factor.am reported.
She stated, “How can we not say that David Hambardzumyan is a political prisoner?” and invited viewers to watch the Hovtashat–Hayanist incident footage, arguing that it shows the mayor taking no part in the altercation for which he was convicted.
According to her description, the video shows Hambardzumyan arriving at the scene after the argument had begun, standing several meters away from those involved, and not engaging in any violence or aggression. The main confrontation, she said, lasted no more than ten seconds and ended before police intervened. She added that a loud sound heard in the recording was likely a police special device or a vehicle malfunction, not a gunshot.
Papoyan claimed the footage supports witness testimony that no firearm was used and concluded that the entire episode has been distorted to justify an unjust conviction.
“In these circumstances, how can we not declare that David Hambardzumyan is a political prisoner? It is all so obvious and clear. Sending the innocent father of four to prison is neither morally nor legally acceptable. This is another absurdity aimed at isolating him from political life,” she wrote.
David Hambardzumyan was sentenced to six years and three months in prison. In June, the ‘I Have Honor’ parliamentary faction nominated him as a candidate for prime minister during its announced no-confidence motion against the government, citing the Republican Party’s executive statement.
