Today’s trial of Hartashen former Mayor Azat Ghoukasyan, charged with sexually molesting a 14 year-old school girl, was once again postponed since his defense lawyer has withdrawn from the case.

A similar postponement occurred d at the August 31 trial at the Syunik regional courthouse in Goris.

Earlier press reports alleged that the lawyer, Ara Zakaryan, has stated that he was too busy to defend the embattled mayor.

Hartashen residents elected a new mayor, Gagig Vanesyan, on Sunday. The local rumor mill says that the new mayor was advised "not to disgrace" the name of the community.

The next trial date was scheduled for September 24.