EXPERT: PROTECTION OF WITNESS NEEDS STRENGTHENING IN ARMENIA

ARKA News Agency, Armenia
July 31 2007

YEREVAN, July 31. /ARKA/. Witness rights protection in Armenia
needs strengthening, said Richard Giragosian, Expert of the Jane’s
Information Group (Washington) analytical center on the issues of
defense and safety, during the discussion on "Human Rights in the
Police System."

"In Armenia it is necessary to strengthen the protection of witness
rights, and form an atmosphere of safety around these people. Witness
rights should get more recognition in the judicial system of Armenia,
in particular, in Police System," Giragosian said. He pointed out
that these are witnesses who are called to help implementing justice.

He said that because of this specific function witnesses need special
protection from any pressure or violence. In the aspect of improving
situation in Police System, Giragosian attached great importance to
people’s awareness of their rights and duties.

He also said that the discussion "Human Rights in the Police System"
"is not to criticize the judicial system of Police, it is just a
dialogue." He called upon all those interested to cooperation and
strengthening of Armenia’s judicial system and Police. "We need to
cooperation in these issues, but not to criticize these institutes,"
he said.

The discussion "Human Rights in the Police System" is organized by
the Armenian Branch of the Institute for War and Peace Reporting.

The Institute for War and Peace Reporting (IWPR) is a non-Governmental
British organization dealing with coverage of war and post-war
processes and contributes with reporters from different countries. The
Organization operates in 23 countries.

The discussion followed the publication of the IWPR Caucasus Reporting
Service’s article entitled "Armenia: Anger at Death in Police Custody",
where an attempt was made to raise the problems that Armenia’s citizens
face in police departments. L.M.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress