RA OMBUDSMAN MEETS WITH PACE MONITORING COMMITTEE CO-RAPPORTEURS

Noyan Tapan
June 17, 2009

YEREVAN, JUNE 17, NOYAN TAPAN. RA Ombudsman Armen Haroutiunian met
with PACE Monitoring Committee Co-rapporteurs John Prescott and
George Colombier on June 16. The Ombudsman presented his position on
amnesty mentioning that it should extend to a wide circle of people,
including all citizens imprisoned on the cases of the 2008 March 1
events. Otherwise, according to him, the amnesty will not contribute
to formation of public solidarity.

As Noyan Tapan was informed by the Information and Public Relations
Department of RA Ombudsman’s Staff, when discussing issues regarding
witnesses A. Haroutiunian said that as far back as 7-8 months ago
he stated that Ombudsman’s Office receives oral complaints on using
illegal methods to witnesses, but the Special Investigation Service
and Prosecutor General’s Office did not pay proper attention to those
reports. As a result witnesses renounce their evidence at the court.

Head of Ombudsman’s Office Staff Vahe Stepanian presented his position
on fact-finding committee’s activity to the Co-rapporteurs.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress