Open news feed Close news feed
A A

WITNESSES ARE NOT PERSECUTED IN ARMENIA

Politics

It turns out that witnesses and suspected persons are not persecuted in Armenia. This was announced by the RA General Prosecutor Aghvan Hovsepyan at the NA today. He asked the deputies not use that term. He also noted that all amendments in prosecutorial system were carried out when he officiated. “The reforms in the system were carried out twice in 1998 and now. And both times I was the General Prosecutor”.

As to the independence of the system he noticed: “The fact that I am standing in front of and you are to appoint me, is the independence of the system”.

During the whole session the General Prosecutor had to answer to the questions of the “Heritage party”. He answered to all questions of the fraction with patience. The main stress was put on the question of Zaruhi Postanjyan, concerning the accusation of Zhirayr Sefilyan, since tomorrow the Appeal Court was to hear his case.

Aghvan Hovsepyan pointed out that the deputies of the mentioned fraction demanded the independence of prosecutors, but on the other hand “they disturb the independence of the General Prosecutor”. “I am not going to waive the accusations, since I do not want to put pressure on the prosecutor”,- he said. Mrs Postanjyan reminded that only in exceptional cases preliminary arrest was used and asked why Alexander Arzumanyan’s case was of exceptional importance. Aghvan Hovsepyan did not answer to this question properly. As to other cases examined by courts, he said he would not interfere in them. Postanjyan was also interested in actions started against certain prosecutors. The General Prosecutor pointed out that those people were charged with roguery.

Answering to the question of Hovhanness Margaryan, who represented “Orinats Yerkir”party, reffering to the sale of “Ararat” gold factory, Mr Hovsepyan said: "That question has nothing to do with my deserving the post of the prosecutor”. Mr Hovsepyan also reflected on the question of the NA Vice-Speaker Vahan Hovsepyan on establishing independent investigation bodies. Mr Hovsepyan informed that this body would not submit to the Prosecutor’s Office, it would be monitored by the latter and its main function would be the reveal of corruption cases, including those committed by legislative bodies.