On Thursday, 23 May, the EU delegation and the EU Member States resident in Armenia gave their support to comprehensive reform of the judicial system in Armenia.
On Monday, 20 May, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pachinian announced his intention to purge the judicial system, deeming the courts to be “hangovers from previous corrupt authorities”. In his opinion, the judicial system has no “legitimacy” and “the people do not trust” it. He indicated that judges would be subject to a thorough review during a transitional period and that, if necessary, constitutional amendments would be adopted, in accordance with international law.
In a joint statement, the European representatives judged that “a comprehensive and far-reaching judicial reform based on a high-quality, whole-of-sector reform strategy, is vital for Armenia's democratic future”. “The independence and impartiality of the judiciary is a fundamental pillar of the constitutional order and the rule of law”, they added.
They hope that an independent, effective and accountable judiciary will be put in place in the country.
The EU and the Member States therefore welcome the Government's “unequivocal” commitment to pursue justice reform in accordance with the Armenian Constitution and Armenia's international commitments, “in particular those stemming from its membership in the Council of Europe and in consultation with civil society and international experts, including the Venice Commission”. They added that the EU was ready to provide technical and financial assistance.
On 22 May, the Council of Europe announced that a delegation of experts would travel to Yerevan “in the next few days” to offer advice and assistance on the reforms required.
According to a European Commission report published on 21 May, the new government has focused on strengthening the independence, accountability and efficiency of the judiciary, but has not yet made any formal decisions on introducing transitional justice mechanisms. According to Freedom in the World Report 2019, the annual report from Freedom House, the courts are facing systemic political influence and judicial institutions are undermined by corruption.
To read the Commission's report, go to: https://bit.ly/2JuhTWV. (Original version in French by Camille-Cerise Gessant)