YEREVAN. – The court hearing on the criminal case involving Armenia’s second President Robert Kocharyan started with the discussion of the absence of some defense lawyers at the previous hearing.

Hayk Alumyan, one of Kocharyan's lawyers, stated that his absence was the only way to show his attitude towards the incident. He said that the injured party's representative, Edik Harutyunyan, had made a statement which was considered by the defense as a threat and a manifestation of hatred.

Alumyan added that lawyers should deal with legal defense, not respond to threats.

Aram Orbelyan, another defense attorney, in turn, said he was absent to ensure his own safety.

"I do not agree with the court's assessment that it was not a threat, and I object," Orbelyan added, and asked the court to react to such manifestations from now on.