Vaqarshak Harutyunyan: It Cannot Be Ruled Out That Nairi Hunanyan May Want to Change His Testimony

In an interview with the newspaper "Haykakan Zhamanak," Vaqarshak Harutyunyan, the former Minister of Defense of Armenia, discussed Nairi Hunanyan's recent attempt to request conditional early release.

“Of course, the answer seems to be negative (as inferred from the Justice Minister's words yesterday in the National Assembly), but why do you think he took this step? Does he have hope that he might be released?”

“A life-sentenced prisoner has the right to apply for release consideration after 20 years. But you know, a person who has taken such a step (state crime) should understand that they are not adequate. Because a person who believes that they would be appointed as prime minister after such an act… had such expectations. They were guided by someone, telling them that they were coming to carry out this crime and afterwards become a hero. We are dealing with such material; I'm not saying a person; they are like material going down this path. Now to evaluate why this person applied for release… We must understand that this person is not adequate. They do not understand what has happened and are unaware of society's attitude. If a person were adequate, it would be natural that they wouldn’t write such an application. But since they have such hope and think they did nothing wrong, it is clear that this person cannot be evaluated as a normal human being.”

“Is there any circumstance that he could disclose that would change the case's course?”

“Yes, I'm convinced that he has the ability to say and has already mentioned this. He has changed his testimonies before. Now, in the current situation, after the revolution, where the current authorities are interested in revealing the truth, he has the opportunity to present what happened.”

“But the question is, does he want to present it? Will he want to?”

“Of course, he will want to; he wants to be free.”

“So, he will use this moment for his freedom?”

“It cannot be ruled out, yes, of course. Naturally, he wants to get out.”

For the full article, see the newspaper's issue.