On December 5, the Court of General Jurisdiction of Kentron and Nork-Marash Administrative Districts of Yerevan started hearing the defamation lawsuit filed by “M.Gevorgian” LLC, the owner of a Yerevan night club, versus “Aravot” daily and its correspondent Nelly Babayan.
As we have reported, the lawsuit disputes two pieces by Nelly Babayan, “Pedestrian Underpass Is a Motel” and “Pedestrian Underpass Is Also a Work Place for Prostitutes”, published in “Aravot” newspaper on August 21 and in Aravot.am on August 22, 2014. “M.Gevorgian” LLC demands 3 million AMD (about 5,600 euros) for compensation of the damage caused to its honor, dignity and business reputation. The lawsuit was accepted on August 28. According to “Aravot”, before filing the case “M.Gevorgian” LLC did not demand refutation from them; and after the pieces had been published, the newspaper was receiving phone calls with threats (see YPC Weekly Newsletter, September 15-21, 2014).
At the December 5 hearing the burden of proof was imposed on the plaintiff. The next court session is scheduled on March 21, 2015.
