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“WE SHALL SOON SEE WHETHER THEY WERE FAIR OR NOT”

Politics


Thomas Hammarberg, the Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights, thinks in case Article 225 and 300 of Armenia’s Criminal Code are reviewed the prosecutor will annul the indictments of the detainees charged under these Articles.


During an interview with Radio Free Europe / Radio Liberty, Mr. Hammarberg focused on ambiguous interpretations of the disputed articles which give rise to heated debates.


During his November 2008 visit to Yerevan the CoE Commissioner for Human Rights had promised to express a final opinion about the trial of the “case against seven” a bit later.


Asked whether he is already ready to voice an opinion, Mr. Hammarberg said: “I wouldn’t like to say anything by the time the trial kicks off. I shall publicise my opinion after the trial is over. Only then I shall be able to say whether the indictments were grounded or not.”


When reminded that in November he had a tougher stance, Mr. Hammarberg said: “Actually, if the seven detainees and the other convicts are innocent they shouldn’t be kept in jails. Therefore, the trial of the case is of great importance as they must be set free if substantial corroborating evidence is not introduced. The verdict will be announced at the end of the trial and we shall see whether they were fair or not.”