RA JUSTICE MINISTER REFUTES INFORMATION ON PASHINYAN’S AMNESTY

news.am
Feb 8 2010
Armenia

RA Justice Minister Gevorg Danielyan refuted the fact he told Souhayr
Belhasse, President of International Federation for Human Rights
(officials met last week) that amnesty might be granted to Nikol
Pashinyan and new developments might occur.

According to the ministry’s press secretary Lana Mshetsyan, Danielyan’s
words were misinterpreted by the media. "Amnesty is considered not
only release from punishment but also reduction of imprisonment
term. When the final verdict is delivered it will be clear whether
there are reasonable grounds to give amnesty and for how long the
imprisonment term can be reduced," press secretary quotes Minister
speaking with RFE/RL.

Commenting on Justice Minister’s statements, lawyer of Nikol Pashinyan
– Lusine Sahakayn reckons that Court of general jurisdiction has to
grant him amnesty.

Under the RA National Assembly decision on amnesty, the part
of punishment for March 1-2 events in Yerevan can be cut, thus
imprisonment term of sentence had to be reduced to 3.5 year.

January 19, the verdict against oppositional Haykakan Zhamanak
daily chief editor Nikol Pashinyan was delivered in the Nork-Marash
district court. He was accused of organization of mass unrests and
use of force against a policeman.

Pashinyan was acquitted by the court under RA Criminal Code article 316
(use of force against authority), however he was sentenced to seven
years’ imprisonment under the 255 article (organization of mass riots).

Nikol Pashinyan’s lawyers intend to falsify the judgment by February
19 RA Court of Appeal.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress