Released detainees will not thank Serzh Sargsyan
Republican Rafik Petrosyan thinks Serzh Sargsyan will likely declare an amnesty on July 5 - on the Day of the Armenian Constitution.
"In the given situation amnesty is an imperative although there is a group of people who want criminals to stand trial," Mr. Petrosyan told A1+.
Rafik Petrosyan thinks amnesty shouldn't cover detainees of the March 1 events.
His opponent Karapet Rubinyan, Coordinator of the Committee for the Protection of Political Prisoners says the amnesty must first of all cover the March 1 detainees to imitate "progress" in Armenia.
Surely, apparent "progress" has been noted in Armenia since the real criminals want to grant an amnesty and forgive their victims under the pressure of Europeans," said Mr. Rubinyan ironically.
"The authorities simply try to lull Europeans. Speaker of the National Assembly Hovik Abrahamyan gave baloney to Europeans and promised to amend the Criminal Code and solve the issue of political prisoners. Europeans imposed no sanctions on Armenia and we saw the tragic results."
Asked why he spoke so negatively about Europeans, Karapet Rubinyan said: "My patience gave way. PACE co- rapporteurs are again arriving in Armenia before a PACE session and as usual the authorities will give baloney to them saying they are going to declare an amnesty. Then Hovik Abrahamyan will leave for Strasbourg to confirm their intention."
Karapet Rubinyan refuted the direct connection between the March 1 events and amnesty.
"The country is strong and doesn't fear that a few criminals will plot new coups against the state after being released. They will be put to prison after another attempt," added Mr. Petrosyan without giving any name.
"Released detainees will thank neither Serzh Sargsyan nor Mr. Petrosyan. They will appeal authorities' unlawful steps in court. All wrongdoers will be brought to justice one day," said Mr. Rubinyan.
