Armenia will have a specialized anti-corruption court that will hear not only cases of corruption crimes but also civil cases related to confiscation of property of illegal origin, Armenia's Minister of Justice Rustam Badasyan told reporters on Wednesday.

 

In the minister's words, before the specialized court is established, cases related to corruption crimes and confiscation of illegal property will be administered by other courts.

 

"Our aim is to ensure specialized approach to cases of corruption, since their consideration requires additional knowledge. Apart from that, both we as well as the public do not unequivocally trust the existing judicial system, we have voiced on numerous occasions. Yes, this is also an opportunity to test the integrity of the judges," explained the minister.

 

Asked about the selection process of the judges, Badasyan noted that potential candidates will undergo a vetting process for their integrity at the Corruption Prevention Commission of Armenia before taking an oral examination at the Supreme Judicial Council.

 

The latter is endowed with the constitutional mission to ensure independence of the judicial system. The Commission will, on its part, will issue recommendations per candidates. The authorized body can refer to that recommendation for selection decision. Both acting judges as well as individuals meeting the necessary requirements can apply through an open competition to be appointed as a judge of the new anti-corruption court, the minister said.