ISSUE OF GRANTING AMNESTY DISCUSSED AT PUBLIC COUNCIL SITTING

Noyan Tapan
June 3, 2009

YEREVAN, JUNE 3, NOYAN TAPAN. The first plenary sitting of Public
Council was held on June 2 in Yerevan. One of the issues on the sitting
agenda was the issue of granting an amnesty. The initial variant of
the draft decision made in consequence of concessions was submitted
to Council members’ discussion.

The draft decision, in particular, mentioned that amnesty is one of the
problems having public resonance, it can mitigate the current tension
in public life, promote formation of an atmosphere of tolerance and
mutual confidence.

According to the draft decision, in order to introduce the proposal of
amnesty to the RA President they should also discuss it at the Public
Council structures, as well as should apply to the NA Committee on
State and Legal Issues, Justice Minister, Prosecutor General, Police
Head "with the request of providing information regarding amnesty."

Karen Bekarian, a member of the Committee, the Head of the European
Integration NGO, considers that the issue of amnesty should not be
narrowed and brought to the amnesty of cases on the March 1-2 mass
disorders. Actor Sos Sargsian noted that if the decision on amnesty
mentions only March 1-2, it will be already not amnesty, but pardon.