RELEASED DETAINEES WILL NOT THANK SERZH SARGSYAN

A1+
06:26 pm | June 15, 2009 | Politics

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.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress