POST-ELECTION TRIALS REVEAL SHORTCOMINGS IN ARMENIA’S JUSTICE SYSTEM, NEW OSCE/ODIHR REPORT SAYS

Noyan Tapan
March 9, 2010

WARSAW, MARCH 9, NOYAN TAPAN. 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 by the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions
and Human Rights (ODIHR).

Between April 2008 and July 2009, 37 ODIHR monitors observed the
trials of the individuals charged in connection with the clashes. 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.

According to a press release of ODIHR, the report’s recommendations
include limiting the use of pre-trial detention and upholding the
presumption of innocence. It also recommends measures to ensure
equality between prosecution and defence in court and comprehensive
investigations into all allegations of torture or other ill-treatment
in order to eliminate the use of evidence obtained through illegal
means. It says judges would benefit from further training to enhance
impartiality and professional conduct.

"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," said
Ambassador Janez Lenarcic, ODIHR’s director, adding that "the OSCE
stands ready to assist the authorities in further advancing justice
reform in Armenia".

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress