Pashinyan: The issue of political prisoners should be resolved by institutional means

ArmInfo. The issue of political prisoners in Armenia should be resolved by institutional means, head of the "Make a Step" movement Nikol Pashinyan said at a meeting with the parliamentary faction of the Republican Party, answering the question of the vice speaker, former Minister of Justice Arpine Hovhannisyan.

She asked the oppositionist about how he was going to solve this issue regarding promises to release political prisoners. According to her, there are no such in Armenia. "We must have clear criteria, outline the circle and resolve this issue in an institutional way," Pashinyan said, stressing that all his actions in this regard will be within the framework of the law. At the same time, he stressed that in some cases there will be one approach, and in another case, another. We cannot make decisions that will lead to new problems," Pashinyan said. Speaking about staff changes, Pashinyan said that, since the replacement of the prime minister takes place in force-majeure circumstances, the composition of the government should be appointed proceeding from the situation in the country. The MP also said that the opposition has no goals to carry out staff cleansing, the goal is to create a strong government. "Undoubtedly, the government has cadres worthy of deep respect, who perfectly fulfill their duties. So why replace them? After all, the most important thing is Armenia's interests, not political disagreements," the MP said. Meanwhile, Parliament Speaker Ara Babloyan decided to arrange a blitz poll for Pashinyan. "In connection with the current political situation, I want to ask you a few questions. Please answer yes or no. Did you have the opportunity to freely carry out protest actions?, he asked, having received an affirmative answer. Babloyan continued: "In these days you had freedom of speech?". "As in these days, and all my life, I had the opportunity to express my point of view freely," Pashinyan said. "Do you think that people had the opportunity to visit protest actions freely these days?", continued Babloyan. "Yes, and I am very glad that our people had such an opportunity," Pashinyan said. "Do you find that all this is a manifestation of the democracy?". "Undoubtedly yes," Pashinyan said.