Armenian Human Rights Group Displeased with Courts, Certification and Law on Attorneys

Helsinki Association for Human Rights President Mikael Danielyan, at a press conference in Yerevan launching the organization’s latest human rights report, said that he is amazed that several non-governmental organizations have participated in the certification announced by Armenia’s Justice Ministry by which certified individuals can carry out observer missions in the upcoming parliamentary elections.

“It’s regretful that many NGOs applied to get certified. It’s interesting, if they’re certified, are they human rights defenders or not; will they again rush to get that certification?” he asked.

The human rights campaigner also criticized the adopted amendment to the law on attorneys with which only lawyers (and not, for example, human rights defenders) can provide legal advice.

“This is an attack first on those who don’t have the means to hire an attorney,” said Danielyan.

During presentation of the organization’s 2011 report on human rights, Helsinki Association attorney Nina Karapetyants raised the issue of Armenia’s judicial system.

“The Cassation Court no longer exists for Armenian citizens — it’s a formality. In the last year, cases aren’t even admitted by the court. The saddest part is that the Appeals Court is also vanishing. Today, the Appeal Court hears cases according to Cassation Court procedure: the defense has no opportunity to speak. The plaintiff reads his complaint, the defendant gives its response and the court moves to issue a ruling,” she said.