March 1 convicts must be released if they are not criminals

The release of convicts on the March 1, 2008 case is a long process, Armenian Speaker Hovik Abrahamyan told the journalists on Monday.

“I think President Serzh Sargsyan met the convicts half-way when they appealed with a request to release them,” he said, adding all, except for criminals, should be released. He noted that parliament cannot come with an initiative regarding the issue as it is president’s privilege.

Commenting on the arrest of ex-MP Sasun Mikaelyan, the Armenian Speaker noted he is condemned for illegal possession of weapons which is a grave crime.