Since 2016, a group of active and independent Armenian advocates, involved as defense lawyers in a number of high-profile criminal cases, have been subjected to harassment and been hindered in their professional activities in courts. For thorough information you can view the CSP Statement signed by 39 non-governmental human rights member organizations at http://www.civicsolidarity.org/article/1490/armenia-harassment-lawyers-working-high-profile-cases and “Behind the Glass Wall – the Right to a Fair Trial in the Sasna Tsrer Cases” report of a fact-finding mission to Armenia, at http://www.civicsolidarity.org/article/1540/new-report-behind-glass-wall-right-fair-trial-sasna-tsrer-cases.
The Helsinki Association is pleased to announce that, as a logical continuation of our efforts aimed at supporting the Armenian advocates in danger, and at protecting and sustaining the institution of independent advocacy in Armenia, in support with the European Endowment for Democracy (EED), a program has been initiated, the main objectives of which are as follows: a) raising awareness of Armenian civil society, media and other important players on possible consequences of governmental legal initiatives and practical implications; b) monitoring of courts; c) international advocacy activities to increase possible influence on Armenian authorities; and d) institutional development training for the program team.
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