MOST OF ARMENIAN DETAINEES REFUSE PUBLIC DEFENDERS’ ASSISTANCE

/PanARMENIAN.Net/
10.09.2009 20:24 GMT+04:00

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ RA Chamber of Advocates has today convened a
round table on the theme "Refusal to Benefit from Public Defenders’
Services". As seen in a report submitted by lawyers, public defenders’
services are mostly rejected in Kotayk, Gegharkunik and Arragatsotn
regions.

In 2008, 291 out of 364 defendants refused to benefit from advocates’
services at the stage of inquest. As of 2009, 42 out of 102 defendants
in Yerevan rejected public defenders’ services.

Lawyers believe this either results from lack of information on
service being free or public distrust. In their report, they also
say that investigators often coerce accused individuals into refusing
such services.