Former University security guard Viatcheslav "Steve" Abramian's discrimination suit against the University went to the jury at noon yesterday after almost three weeks of trial. A verdict is expected today.

The lawsuit alleges that discrimination on the basis of national origin led to Abramian's 1993 termination and seeks damages. Abramian is originally from Russia.

Earlier this week, Justice James F. McHugh dismissed charges against defendant Brian Sinclair deeming them not proven. The cases against the remaining six defendants were upheld and sent to the jury, according to Abramian's attorney, John G. Swomley.

In an interview with The Crimson, Swomley said that although he is concerned about the psychological impact on the jury of charges against Sinclair being dropped, "As a practical matter, if we win against anyone, we win."

The trial has not been without incident. Late last week, Swomley was held in contempt of court.

While questioning witness Donald P. Behenna, Swomley pursued a line of questioning which the judge had deemed inadmissible, Swomley told The Crimson.

The judge will determine his sanction after the trial, according to Swomley.

The defense, led by University Attorney Allan A. Ryan Jr., began its case on Monday.

On Wednesday, the court heard testimony from former security guard Mark J. Martin.

Martin, who was also terminated by the University, testified that he encountered Abramian at a homeless shelter in Jamaica Plain in June 1994.

According to Martin's testimony, Abramian approached him and began talking about his intent to sue Harvard and mentioned that he was going to make a lot of money of all of this."

Martin said Abramian told him that Robert J. Dowling, former manager of operations for police and security, didn't like Abramian and was a racist.

Martin told the court that "Mr. Abramian asked if I would go to court and say Bob Dowling was a racist. I couldn't say if he was or not. Abramian said there would be a chunk of change in it for me."

Martin testified that he then became angry with Abramian and ended the conversation.

Earlier, McHugh had ruled that Martin's testimony "does demonstrate financial interest in the outcome" and was "admissible with respect to Mr. Abramian's testimony."

Swomley challenged Martin's credibility on the grounds that Martin previously had problems with drugs and alcohol. Martin acknowledged that he previously had a drug problem but denied this affected his testimony.