Elisabeth Winkelmeier-Becker refuses to comment on issue of political  prisoners in Armenia, citing lack of complete information about it

ArmInfo. Chairwoman of the Committee on Legal Affairs of the German Bundestag Elisabeth  Winkelmeier-Becker, refused to comment on the issue of political prisoners in Armenia, citing the fact that she does not have complete information on this issue.

Thus, on February 27, at a press conference in Yerevan, when asked to  express her position on the fact that dozens of prisoners of  conscience are being held in Armenian prisons, among whom is deputy  chairman of the RPA Armen Ashotyan, Elisabeth Winkelmeier-Becker  admitted that democracy, among other things, presupposes the rule of  law. According to her, this in turn implies ensuring the right to a  fair trial.  At the same time, the MP noted that in the past she  worked as a judge, and is well aware of the complexities of any  criminal case. "It's difficult for me to give any assessments, since  I'm not familiar with this case. There are two sides to any case,  but, of course, it is important to ensure a fair trial," the  parliamentarian emphasized, also highlighting the vulnerability of  the authorities in the framework of proceedings on crimes committed  due to gaps in legislation. 

At the same time, Winkelmeier-Becker noted that after the Velvet  Revolution, the Armenian authorities took the path of democratic  reforms. According to her, reforms are being implemented in a number  of areas today. "Of course, there is still a lot to be done, which is  completely natural. Even in a country like Germany, not everything is  as smooth as we would like," she said, adding that she would like to  see a more active opposition in Armenia.

Speaking generally about the results of the visit to Armenia, the  parliamentarian noted that they had already been in Yerevan for three  days and had held a number of meetings. "Here we have considered the  processes that have guided Armenia on a democratic path. Our visit  began with a visit to the Khor Virap monastery complex, the Armenian  spiritual cradle, then we visited the Tsitserankaberd memorial  complex of the victims of the Armenian Genocide, laid flowers at the  eternal flame, and visited the Armenian Genocide Museum- Institute.  You know that several weeks ago the Bundestag not only recognized the  Armenian Genocide, but also touched upon the responsibility of Kaiser  Germany in this matter," said the parliamentarian.  The MP also said  that their delegation also visited Yeraskh and got acquainted with  the activities of the EU civil observation mission in the Republic of  Armenia (EUMA), and also held meetings with representatives of civil  society and with the leadership of Armenia.

"Following the results of these meetings, we have the impression that  the Armenian authorities are committed to implementing the planned  agenda of democratic reforms. We also have positive impressions of  the country's authorities' aspirations in the fight against  corruption, police reforms and increasing the role of women in law  enforcement agencies," she added, again pointing out Germany's  readiness to assist Armenia in implementing the agenda of democratic  reforms.