Armenian justice minister: No amnesty to arrested journalist

Armenian Justice Minister Gevorg Danielyan refuted the reports that he told Souhayr Belhasse, President of International Federation for Human Rights that amnesty might be granted to arrested journalist Nikol Pashinyan.

According to the ministry’s press officer 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 officer quotes Minister speaking with RFE/RL.

Commenting on Justice Minister’s statements, lawyer of Nikol Pashinyan – Lusine Sahakayn believes that Court of general jurisdiction has to grant him amnesty.

Under the Armenian 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.

On Jan. 19, the verdict against oppositional Haykakan Zhamanak daily chief editor Nikol Pashinyan was delivered in the Nork-Marash district court.

He was charged with organization of mass unrests and use of force against a policeman.

/News.am/