Top member of ruling party says political prisoners might be released

Razmik Zohrabyan, a deputy chairman of the ruling Republican Party of Armenia, told reporters today that the ruling coalition has not discussed the issue of releasing the political prisoners.

"No such discussion at the coalition level has taken place," he said.

He, however, added that release of some convicts may be discussed based on legal aspects. He said the amendments to the Criminal Code submitted to parliament envisage reduction of service terms for some convicts.

"Quite probably, many convicts – not only those 11 – may be released as a result," he said.

"Those 11", mentioned by Zohrabyan, are political prisoners.