HUMAN RIGHTS DEFENDERS OF ARMENIA SPEAK AGAINST HOLDING COURT SITTINGS WITHOUT DEFENDANTS

Noyan Tapan

Feb 9, 2009

YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 9, NOYAN TAPAN. The following human rights
orgaizations: Civil Society Institute, Helsinki Committee of Armenia,
Against Legal Arbitrariness organization, and Helsinki Civil Assembly
Vanadzor Office call on the National Assembly of Armenia to refrain
from adopting the government-proposed amendment to the legislation
on the judicial system, by which in case of a disrespectful attitude
to court, the court may remove the accused person from the courtroom
and continue the trial in his (her) absence.

"Apart from the fact that the wording "disrespectful attitude to
court" can be commented on and used in an arbitrary way, the right
of any individual to be tried in his (her) presence is part of
the fundamental right of fair trial and is guaranteed by a number
of international documents signed by Armenia, including the UN
International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights that stipulates
that during an examination of any criminal charge, any person has the
right to be tried in his (her) presencee," in said in the statement
of the human rights organizations.