YEREVAN. – During Thursday’s session, the National Assembly (NA) approved President Serzh Sargsyan’s proposal to declare amnesty on the occasion of the 22nd anniversary of Armenia’s independence.  

A total of 102 MPs voted in favor of the proposal, whereas four deputies did not vote, and no one voted against nor cast abstaining ballots.

In a briefing with news reporters, Justice Minister Hrayr Tovmasyan informed that 1,200 to 1,300 prisoners will benefit from this amnesty, and approximately 500 to 600 inmates will be set free. 

The amnesty process will continue until December 25.

In Tovmasyan’s words, the prisoners who are to be released will be the first to benefit from this amnesty; subsequently, the other inmates’ prison sentences will be reduced by six months