The Minister of Justice of the Republic of Armenia, Artak Zeynalyan, spoke about the hunger strike at the request of amnestying several detainees in “Armavir” penitentiary.
“Amnesty is not a right, it is a privilege to be given. Requesting it does not come from its essence,” he emphasized.
Asked if in the near future amnesty was envisaged anyway, Mr. Zeynalyan replied: “Amnesting or not depends upon the will of the authorities and the public. Are the victims of the crime or their relatives ready for forgiving the persons having violated their rights?” asked the Minister.
Then he concluded: “Amnesty is a priority issue, which should not be solved through a hunger strike. If its time comes and the public and authorities manifest such will, the issue will be discussed.”
Luiza SUKIASYAN
