The US State Department’s Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) has published a brief report on Armenia and its justice sector.
The report states in particular: “Since its independence, Armenia has sought to balance its relations with the region and to more closely integrate with European and Euro-Atlantic structures as a means of overcoming the remaining legacy of Soviet institutions and practices. The mass protests of April-May 2018, known as the ‘velvet revolution,’ brought a new government to power with an explicit anti-corruption mandate and a strong desire to improve the criminal justice system, in contrast to the previous corrupt, oligarchic regime under Russia’s influence. Armenia is registering progress in beginning reforms in the rule of law and justice sector, with INL support, including police reforms, the fight against corruption, the fight against financial crime, and an emphasis on the protection of human rights. Nevertheless, significant institutional challenges remain. There are still far too few judges, outdated laws provide investigators with limited tools to build solid cases, and organizations remain local and are reluctant to protect their own resources.”
The report also notes that: “INL seeks to support Armenia in its fight against institutional corruption in its criminal justice sector by building strong foundations for new anti-corruption institutions, revitalizing Armenian law enforcement bodies to meet international best practices, and applying a new service-oriented police format and creating tools to maintain transparent and accountable organizational structures.”
