Epress.am News from Armenia
Armenia's National Assembly today voted 102 in favor of granting amnesty to those who committed a crime up to and including Sept. 1, 2013. The decision must be signed by the parliamentary chair, Hovik Abrahamyan, and enter into force within 24 hours, after which the process of releasing prisoners will begin.
Presenting the final text of the decision in parliament today, RA Minister of Justice Hrayr Tovmasyan said last night was one of the hardest nights of his life.
"I was in the same mental state as judges when they issue a ruling, though it is clear that we're not carrying out justice," he said.
Tovmasyan noted that this was the first time that in discussion with MPs, their proposals were more aimed at strengthening than mitigating (the situation).
"We understand the extent of the danger to the public and price of releas[ing the prisoners] of the deeds," he added.
According to this parliamentary decision, political prisoner Tigran Araqelyan should also be released.