As a result of the visit of PACE co-rapporteurs John Prescott and George Colombier there was a “significant development” of democracy in Armenia, specifically the police has beaten up people who gathered near the court of general jurisdiction of Shengavit community and wanted to walk to the general prosecutor’s office to continue their demonstration there. Everything started when the court decided to delay the hearings of the Case of Seven again. The judge entered the court session hall, announced about his decision to postpone the hearings till September 30 and left. Ultimately this incident is connected with the visit of the mentioned European officials because some sources of information say that the authorities have convinced the European officials and they gave a commitment before leaving Armenia not to impose punishments. The same sources of information say that the authorities have promised to amend Article 300 of the Armenian Criminal Code before the winter session of the PACE due to on January 27 (usurpation of state power), which is the article under which the Case of Seven is handled. The PACE referred to the mentioned article in the last resolution, which specifically writes that the mentioned article is used for political purposes. Our sources of information from the government say that Prescott and Colombier have agreed to consider the amendment of Article 300 as improvement and prevent punishments on Armenia. Certainly such scenario seems not to be possible, but it fully fits with the perception of both the Armenian government and European officials. At least Prescott and Colombier can do it.
