Armenian authorities agree general vetting of all judges is ‘neither necessary nor useful’ – Venice Commission
The authorities of the Republic of Armenia have reached an agreement with the Venice Commission that it is ‘neither necessary nor efficient to carry out general vetting of all sitting judges instead disciplinary procedures should be strengthened and a link with the asset declaration system established.’ The agreement is reflected in the session report of the 119th plenary session of the Venice Commission which contains references to the situation around Armenia’s judicial reform.
The document said that discussions around the judicial reforms of Armenia were held during the visit of the delegation of a high Council of Europe officials led by the Director General on Human Rights and the Rule of Law, including the Secretary of the Commission.
It is noted that an agreement had been reached to amend the country’s Judicial Code by end of July for which Armenian authorities had requested an urgent opinion of the Venice Commission. At its meeting the Enlarged Bureau has authorized the preparation of the urgent opinion which will be forwarded to the requested side prior to October Plenary Session, said the document.