The prosecutor continued his appeal cross-examination of Mr. Lyova Margaryan today. His questions focused on the stand of Jehovah’s Witnesses on military service and the presence of minor children at their meetings and in religious activities. Both issues constitute the main thrust of Article 244, under which Mr. Margaryan was charged and found not guilty in a lower court.
Mr. Margaryan rejected the notion that he or any of Jehovah’s Witnesses influence others to refuse military service. He explained that each of Jehovah’s Witnesses makes his own decision based on his conscience. "This is their conviction, their understanding of the Bible, and the Constitution of Armenia guarantees freedom of conscience and expression."
As to the activity of minor children, their attendance at meetings and participation in religious activities, Mr. Margaryan stated that parents have the right and the responsibility of making decisions as to the activities of their children. "When children attend meetings and engage in religious activities, they do so with their parents’ permission, and it is not for me to approve or disapprove." When the defense lawyer stated that according to Article 7 of the law on religion, parents who are Jehovah’s Witnesses have the right to raise their children as they see fit, the prosecutor objected, claiming that this right only applies to "registered religions."
The law under which Mr. Margaryan has been charged is considered by many to be a Soviet relic and has been referred to as archaic and unconstitutional by other former Soviet republics and long removed from their legislation.
The trial resumes Monday, January 21, 2002 at noon.