Financial Crime World

Armenia’s Adversarial Judicial System Exposed: Transparency and Accountability Lacking

A recent analysis has revealed deep-seated problems within Armenia’s judicial system, including a lack of transparency and accountability. Despite efforts to introduce reforms, corruption remains rampant, with the country’s Anti-Corruption Strategy and Action Plan (ACSIAP) criticized for its ineffective measures.

Lack of Transparency and Accountability

According to experts, ACSIAP failed to set clear goals and objectives, and its activities were largely focused on prevention rather than prosecution of corruption-related crimes. The system of coordination and monitoring is still in development, with no working mechanisms in place.

  • No clear goals and objectives set
  • Prevention-focused activities instead of prosecution
  • Lack of coordination and monitoring mechanisms

Public Education and Awareness Campaigns

The report also highlights the lack of public education and awareness campaigns, as well as limited involvement from civil society organizations. The government’s policy to establish public relations offices in state bodies has been criticized for not being effective in providing information to the public.

  • Limited public education and awareness campaigns
  • Limited involvement from civil society organizations
  • Ineffective public relations offices

International Anti-Corruption Commitments

Armenia’s international anti-corruption commitments have been expanding, with the country becoming a member of GRECO (Group of States against Corruption) and signing the Council of Europe’s Criminal Law Convention on corruption. However, a 2006 evaluation report by GRECO outlined 24 recommendations for improvement, which have not been fully implemented.

  • Member of GRECO
  • Signed the Council of Europe’s Criminal Law Convention on corruption
  • Unimplemented GRECO recommendations

OECD Criticisms

The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) has also called out Armenia for its lack of progress in implementing anti-corruption measures. A 2006 monitoring report found that only four out of 24 OECD recommendations were not implemented, with many others being implemented partially or mainly.

  • Lack of progress in implementing anti-corruption measures
  • Only four out of 24 OECD recommendations fully implemented

Criticisms and Concerns

Critics argue that the adversarial judicial system in Armenia is allowing corruption to thrive, with those who speak out against it facing retaliation and intimidation. The lack of transparency and accountability has created a culture of impunity, where corrupt officials can operate with ease.

  • Adversarial judicial system allows corruption to thrive
  • Retaliation and intimidation faced by whistleblowers
  • Culture of impunity

Way Forward

As Armenia continues to grapple with these issues, experts are calling for more robust measures to combat corruption, including increased public participation and civil society involvement in the anti-corruption efforts.

  • Increased public participation
  • Civil society involvement in anti-corruption efforts
  • Robust measures to combat corruption