Justice Minister says he was unaware of ex-official's release
Vazgen Khachikyan, former head of the Armenian State Social Security Service, has been released from jail today, after serving three out of the 12 years of his imprisonment. He was arrested in 2014 along with two of his former high-ranking aides. Khachikyan was accused of embezzling state funds. Minister of Justice of Armenia, Davit Harutyunyan says he did not know that the former SSSS chief would be set free. Talking to journalist’s after a cabinet meeting on Thursday, the minister said, “I am not aware amnesty but I am convinced that all factors were taken into consideration. Since I have no facts, I will refrain from commenting on the release,” Mr. Harutyunyan said. Asked whether he approved of the decision, the minister said, “You are asking a question to the Minister of Justice, who, I do not think, can give an assessment without knowing the circumstances and reasons.” The minister added that only the president of the country can grant a pardon to convicts, but under the new constitution the function is given to a special commission.
