PACE awaits release of the Seven
Yesterday's positive evaluation of Armenia given by the PACE Monitoring Committee only referred to changes made in Articles 225 and 300 of the RA Criminal Code and it would be logical if tomorrow the RA Prosecutor General would quash the "Case of Seven" and release all political prisoners," told "A1+" today former Head of the Armenian Delegation to PACE Hovhannes Igityan. He is not sure whether the Armenian authorities want to continue that process.
According to Igityan, the fate of the oppositionists of the "Case of Seven" was determined recently by vice-president of the Republican Party of Armenia Razmik Zohrabyan.
"He said that the charge would be changed, the time spent out of jail would be considered a penalty and political prisoners would be released."
Hovhannes Igityan also underscored that Shant Harutyunyan, one of the prisoners charged with the "Case of Seven", is undergoing more severe punishment by being sent to a psychiatric center.
Igityan also said that the Armenian authorities are currently after one thing-to do everything they can so that the PACE doesn't deprive Armenia of its voting rights.
Former head of the Armenian delegation to PACE recalled that there are still four issues stated in all resolutions on Armenia-presence of political prisoners, rallies, limits on freedom of speech and the tragic events of March 1.
As for the events of March 1, Hovhannes Igityan advised everyone to ask Robert Kocharyan who were in his room at a consultation before the events of March 1.
Igityan stated that Kocharyan was the one responsible for organizing the operation through the police, the army and some Republicans," said Hovhannes Igityan.
Head of the NA ad hoc committee investigating the events of March 1-2 Samvel Nikoyan advised not to say that they are not able to continue their work because former Chief of Police Hayk Harutyunyan is not showing up for inquiry.
Didn't Serzh Sargsyan take part in organizing the events of March 1? Isn't he responsible as well? In response, Hovhannes Igityan said that everybody must be brought to justice, starting from Robert Kochayan all the way to the police who opened fire by the command, abused the peaceful demonstrators and violated their rights.
