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.

A.G.