OSCE HELPS PROMOTE TRIAL AND CRIMINAL JUSTICE REFORM IN ARMENIA

ARMENPRESS
MAY 5, 2010
YEREVAN

YEREVAN, MAY 5, ARMENPRESS: The Head of the OSCE Office in Yerevan,
Ambassador Sergey Kapinos, met Armenia’s Prosecutor General Aghvan
Hovsepyan May 4 to discuss justice sector reforms, including
implementation of recommendations contained in the trial monitoring
report recently released by the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions
and Human Rights (ODIHR).

An official from the OSCE Yerevan Office told Armenpress that a
workshop on ODIHR’s trial monitoring recommendations, as they relate
to pre-trial proceedings, was also held on 27 April. In March, ODIHR
published a report on the trials that took place in the aftermath of
the March 2008 post-election violence in Yerevan.

Kapinos noted the Prosecutor General’s constructive approach to
the recommendations. "We were glad to learn that some of ODIHR’s
recommendations were immediately accepted, and we understand that
certain recommendations will need time for implementation. The
OSCE Office stands ready to assist and support the endeavors of
the Prosecutor’s Office, the Ministry of Justice and the Court of
Cassation," he said.

Hovsepyan said: "We highly appreciate the support from the OSCE
to reveal shortcomings and find comprehensive solutions to help
advance the rule of law and efficiency of the justice system in
Armenia. We hope that further support will be provided to increase
the efficiency of ongoing reforms; already a number of actions are
planned to implement the recommendations in the report."

Kapinos commended actions taken by the Prosecutor’s Office to
investigate the case of Vahan Khalafyan, who died while in police
custody on 13 April. He also welcomed the Prosecutor General’s pledge
to investigate cases of alleged violence against journalists, and
to promote Prosecutor’s role in police accountability mechanisms,
a challenge addressed in a recent report by the OSCE Office.

The OSCE Office has supported the Prosecutor General to upgrade its
website to promote interactive communication and help users learn
about the activities of the Prosecutor’s Office. The OSCE Office
is also working with the Prosecutor’s Office to identify potential
areas for improvement with criminal data collection and will organize
an assessment visit by an international expert from the Gottingen
University of Criminal Law.