THE OSCE STANDS READY TO ASSIST THE ARMENIAN AUTHORITIES IN FURTHER ADVANCING JUSTICE REFORM

armradio.am
08.03.2010 16:02

The conduct of the trials that took place in the aftermath of the
March 2008 post-election violence in Yerevan reveals shortcomings in
Armenia’s justice system, concludes a report published today by the
OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR).

The 114-page report, based on the monitoring of 93 criminal cases
during a 16-month period, offers detailed recommendations on how to
address the identified shortcomings.

"The trials took place amid high tensions, which made the work of
courts extraordinarily difficult and at the same time raised the
bar for their professional performance to the highest levels," said
Ambassador Janez Lenarcic, ODIHR’s director.

"We hope that this report can give new impetus to the ongoing efforts
by the Armenian authorities to reform the country’s justice system
in line with international standards and OSCE commitments."

"The OSCE stands ready to assist the Armenian authorities in further
advancing justice reform in Armenia," said Lenarcic.

"We are encouraged by the open attitude we have encountered during
the trial monitoring project and value the authorities’ input in the
process of preparing the final report. It appears that some steps
are already being taken to address the identified shortcomings."