“The release of convicts in March 1 events did not become a subject of discussion in Armenian ruling coalition, at least, I am unaware of it,” David Harutyunyan, member of Republican Party of Armenia (RPA), Chairman of RA NA Standing Committee on State and Legal Affairs, told a press conference on Friday, commenting on PAP MP Aram Safaryan’s statement that the issue is been discussed among the collation members. 

Generally speaking of the possible amnesty and early release of people convicted of March 1 events, Harutyunyan said the prerogative for amnesty belongs to the head of the state.

He also refuted reports the Council of Europe has been exerting pressure on Armenia on the matter. “In general, I do not like the word “pressure”,” Harutyunyan noted. According to him, CE has recently trying to give a more precise definition to the notion “political prisoners” , as this phrase often becomes a matter of political manipulations.

Commenting on the statement that recently PACE Co-Rapporteur on Armenia John Prescott has made rather strongly-worded statements on the situation in Armenia, Harutyunyan said: “Lord Prescott only said he cherishes high hopes for the progress of democratization in Armenia. I also have great expectations about the matter. I am not fully satisfied either,” Harutyunyan concluded.