It seems that the authorities have been able to convince the PACE envoy on Human Rights Thomas Hammarberg that they want to release the political prisoners very much there are no legal mechanisms for that purpose. Following a meeting with the authorities Hammarberg said that the issue of releasing the political prisoners (he did not use this term) is in a deadlock because in this case the only thing that can help is application for an amnesty declaration. As the imprisoned political prisoners don’t do this, Hammarberg says there is no other way. To remind, Hammarberg was one of the rare officials that following the clampdown of March 1 said that it was a “political vendetta”. We hope during the expected press-conference he will explain how the victims of the “political vendetta” may ask for merci and apply to the authorities for amnesty. He has met with the chief editor of Haykakan Zhamanak opposition prominent newspaper Nikol Pashinyan in the prison. In answer to journalists’ question whether Nikol Pashinyan is a political prisoner the envoy said, “I will discuss that issue with him”. Hammarberg made an announcement only concerning political prisoner Sasun Mikayelyan. After a meeting with Sasun Mikayelyan he told the representatives of Heritage party that he understands that the latter’s health condition is really bad. Hammarberg said that it was possible that he might be set free due to his bad health condition.
