“It is clear that according to the requirements of the Constitution, deputies can be deprived of liberty only by the decision of the National Assembly. Deputies are the bearers of the people’s power, who can be prosecuted only with the permission of the National Assembly, after overcoming immunity,” Artur Vanetsyan, the leader of the I Have Honor alliance, told journalists in parliament on Monday, referring to the arrested deputies from the Armenia alliance. The demand for the release of Syunik’s mayors was voiced at the first sitting of the National Assembly.
“If the CEC has allowed criminal prosecution, it is not a reason for an already elected deputy to be deprived of liberty. Let them come to the National Assembly through mediation and observe the Constitution. If they violate the Constitution from the first day, this will not lead to a good place,” Vanetsyan said. According to him, they agree with the approach of the Armenia alliance that until this issue is resolved, they will not participate in the election of the NA Speaker.
The reporters asked about how he had announced that he would vote in favor of the ruling party’s drafts, and in which cases this would take place. Vanetsyan responded, “If they bring forth a draft that will propose to increase the monthly payments of the families of the victims of the war, or if they draft legislation related to the security system, which the state needs.”
Read also
Luiza Sukiasyan
