WITNESSES ARE NOT PERSECUTED IN ARMENIA

A1+
[04:18 pm] 13 September, 2007

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.