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PROGRESS ON JUDICIAL REFORM KEY FOR ARMENIA'S DEMOCRATIC DEVELOPMENT - ODIHR DIRECTOR
Tert.am
10.03.11
The Director of the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and
Human Rights (ODIHR), Ambassador Janez Lenarcic, stressed today the
importance of furthering judicial reform for the country.
Lenarcic is in Armenia on a two-day visit to discuss democratic reforms
and review the implementation of recommendations made in the ODIHR
report on the trials related to the 2008 post-election violence that
was published one year ago.
"Progress on reforming its justice system is essential for Armenia's
further democratic development. There is no viable alternative to
a governance system based on the separation of powers and judicial
independence, if Armenia is to enjoy lasting stability and prosperity,"
the ODIHR Director said at a conference organized with the OSCE Office
in Yerevan to assess the progress made in putting the recommendations
into practice.
Lenarcic welcomed the ongoing work on a new criminal procedure code
and expressed the hope that it will include improved human rights
safeguards.
He also highlighted the need for limiting pre-trial detention in
favour of alternative measures of restraint, as well as for stepping
up efforts to prevent torture and other ill-treatment in custody.
"The authorities have already taken into account some of our
recommendations, but much remains to be done to ensure fair trials,
judicial independence and a genuine separation of powers," Lenarcic
said.
He added that Armenia has made significant progress in reforming its
legal framework, but the implementation of laws in practice remains
a challenge that needs to be addressed.
In his meetings with Justice Minister Hrayr Tovmasyan, Prosecutor
General Aghvan Hovsepyan, Cassation Court Chairman Arman Mkrtumyan
and other senior officials, Lenarcic also stressed the importance of
respecting the freedom of assembly.
From: A. Papazian
Tert.am
10.03.11
The Director of the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and
Human Rights (ODIHR), Ambassador Janez Lenarcic, stressed today the
importance of furthering judicial reform for the country.
Lenarcic is in Armenia on a two-day visit to discuss democratic reforms
and review the implementation of recommendations made in the ODIHR
report on the trials related to the 2008 post-election violence that
was published one year ago.
"Progress on reforming its justice system is essential for Armenia's
further democratic development. There is no viable alternative to
a governance system based on the separation of powers and judicial
independence, if Armenia is to enjoy lasting stability and prosperity,"
the ODIHR Director said at a conference organized with the OSCE Office
in Yerevan to assess the progress made in putting the recommendations
into practice.
Lenarcic welcomed the ongoing work on a new criminal procedure code
and expressed the hope that it will include improved human rights
safeguards.
He also highlighted the need for limiting pre-trial detention in
favour of alternative measures of restraint, as well as for stepping
up efforts to prevent torture and other ill-treatment in custody.
"The authorities have already taken into account some of our
recommendations, but much remains to be done to ensure fair trials,
judicial independence and a genuine separation of powers," Lenarcic
said.
He added that Armenia has made significant progress in reforming its
legal framework, but the implementation of laws in practice remains
a challenge that needs to be addressed.
In his meetings with Justice Minister Hrayr Tovmasyan, Prosecutor
General Aghvan Hovsepyan, Cassation Court Chairman Arman Mkrtumyan
and other senior officials, Lenarcic also stressed the importance of
respecting the freedom of assembly.
From: A. Papazian