3 Oct 2013 14:03

Armenian parliament backs president's amnesty proposal

YEREVAN. Oct 3 (Interfax) - The Armenian parliament has voted for the amnesty proposal of President Serzh Sargsyan.

The amnesty will be held on the occasion of the 22nd anniversary of Armenian independence, which was celebrated on September 21.

Armenian Justice Minister Hrayr Tovmasian told reporters on Thursday that the amnesty would refer to 1,200-1,300 inmates: approximately 500-600 of them would be released from prison and the rest would have their prison terms cut. The amnesty will be completely implemented before December 25, 2013.

Armenia has had eight amnesties throughout the period of its independence. There were two amnesties in 1995 and one in each of the years 1997, 1998, 2001, 2006, 2009 and 2011.