ARTICLES 225 AND 300 AMENDED

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07:08 pm | March 18, 2009

Politics

The Armenian Parliament today passed the draft amendments to Articles
225 and 300 of the Criminal Code with 98 votes for, 6 against and
no abstentions.

Although Armenia has carried out the PACE recommendations, no political
prisoner has been released in the country. Mainly, the high-profile
"case of seven" aroused the need for amendments.

The amendments were voted down by the Heritage Party and NA ex Speaker
Tigran Torosyan.

"I doubt whether the PACE will be pleased with the
amendments. Actually, the document is not significant. Once the
authorities decide that the political prisoners should be freed,
they will dismiss the cases and acquit them. Otherwise, they may file
new charges," says the Leader of the parliamentary Heritage faction
Armen Martirosyan.

"I have voted for the amendments as I think they can somehow influence
on the case of seven and mitigate the indictments," says freelance
MP Victor Dalakyan who vehemently criticized Articles 225 and 300.

I have always criticized the removal of defendants from the
courtroom. Yes, I do agree that the execution of the law depends on
the authorities’ willfulness. Yet, I believe that the amendments will
have their positive impact on the case of seven," adds Victor Dalakyan.