PROSECUTOR GENERAL OF ARMENIA DOES NOT AGREE TO SOME ASSESSMENTS OF CE COMMISSIONER FOR HUMAN RIGHTS CONCERNING INVESTIGATION OF MARCH EVENTS IN YEREVAN

ArmInfo
2008-11-26 11:43:00

ArmInfo. Prosecutor General of Armenia Aghvan Hovsepyan met Special
Representative of CE Secretary General Silvia Zehe yesterday.

As press service of the Armenian Prosecutor General’s Office
reported, A. Hovsepyan expressed his considerations on some
statements of CE Commissioner Thomas Hammerberg made at November
22 press-conference. The prosecutor general highly appreciated
Hammerberg’s activity, however, he said that some assessments, based
on incomplete information, indirectly contribute to rooting of some
vicious phenomena and do not promote formation of an atmosphere of
trust and justice. In particular, the prosecutor general doubted about
Hammerberg’s statements regarding substantiation of accusation of the
persons currently under arrest, as CE Commissioner was not acquainted
with the proofs and materials of the criminal case. Moreover,
Hammerberg said at the press-conference that he is not acquainted with
the materials of the case. A. Hovsepyan thinks that some statements
of Hammerberg may be viewed by witnesses on the case as a tendency
to indirectly protect false testimony. A. Hovsepyan also added the
accused persons and their relatives and supporters have multiply
tried to put pressure on witnesses.

Touching on the problem of death of 10 people during mass disorders,
as well as Hammerberg’s advice to make use of the services of
international experts, A. Hovsepyan said that the Prosecutor’s Office
of Armenia appealed to UN and OSCE Yerevan Offices, as well as to
T. Hammerberg and US Embassy in Armenia, however, no assistance was
rendered. The prosecutor general emphasized that the investigation
agency actually needs assistance of international experts for
clarification of some circumstances and Armenia is ready to invite
them and care for all the required financial expenses.