BAKU (Combined Sources)–The murder trial of Azeri senior lieutenant Ramil Safarov will begin on February 8 in Budapest–Hungary. Safarov is being tried for the February 19–2004 slaying of Armenian serviceman Gurgen Margarian.
Safarov’s attorney–Adil Ismayilov–said that a Hungarian lawyer will join the case during the next two days in order to help fend the charges. Margarian’s family will be represented by Nazeli Vardanyan and Gabriela Kaspar. The Armenian serviceman’s lawyers will also represent Hayk Makuchyan–a member of the Armenian military who Safarov attempted to murder. The Azeri officer is being charged with Article No. 166.2 of the Hungarian Criminal Court–first-degree murder and attempted murder–for which he could face 10 years to life imprisonment.
In an attempt to partially curb Safarov’s responsibility–Bilal Mirzalioghli Asadov–Chief Psychologist of Azerbaijan–has asked that the defendant undergo a psychological examination. Safarov told the count during his previous trial that he was in an "unconscious" state during the murder. Medical examinations–however–indicate that he was fully aware of his acts.
