YEREVAN. – Those people whose cases are at the investigation and the trial phase in Armenia may refuse amnesty.   

Justice Minister Hrayr Tovmasyan noted the above-said during a briefing with news reporters on Thursday.

As per Tovmasyan, in this case, these persons’ trials will continue until the end.

Specifically, the cases of opposition activist Tigran Arakelyan, and Artak Budaghyan—who is charged in a shootout near the house of former Syunik regional governor—are at the trial phase.

The minister added, however, that those whose cases have been handed down a final verdict cannot refuse amnesty.

To note, Tigran Arakelyan’s defense attorney had noted, on the other hand, that his client’s announcement on refusing amnesty cannot produce any legal consequence. 

“The amnesty is applicable in Tigran Arakelyan’s case, and he will be set free, regardless of his wish, [and] will,” he had argued.  

To note, a general jurisdiction court had sentenced opposition Armenian National Congress (ANC) activists Tigran Arakelyan, Artak Karapetyan, Sargis Gevorgyan, and Davit Kiramijyan to six, three, and two years, respectively, as a result of an incident that had occurred with a group of police officers on August 9, 2011, in capital city Yerevan. The Criminal Court of Appeals had upheld this ruling, and therefore the activists’ attorneys had submitted to the Court of Cassation their objections to this verdict. As a result, six of the young activists were released on signature bond, whereas Arakelyan had remained under arrest.