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94% of the applications for detention as a measure of restraint are granted by Armenian courts, which shows the existence of problems here since the prisons are overcrowded, the chairman of Civil Society Institute NGO Arman Danielyan told a press conference today. He expressed hope that the introduction of the probation service in Armenia will help solve the problem as its functions also include preparation of reports for judges when a measure of restraint is being chosen. Based on a report, the judge will decide the expediency of arrest as a measure of restraint.

According to Danielyan, alternative punishments are quite seldom in Armenia, which he said is also due to the absence of a probation service. Besides, it will contribute to ex-prisoners’ reintegration into communities. 

As was reported, a bill has been drafted based on the Armenian government-approved concept on the introduction of a probation service in Armenia. A working discussion of the bill will be held next week with the participation of stakeholders, Deputy Justice Minister of Armenia Suren Krmoyan told reporters earlier today. The bill has already been examined by international experts, and the results will be announced at the working discussion. “The pilot stage of the program and the law’s development are expected to last until April or May 2016. The time of establishment of the probation service will be determined following the law’s discussion next week and adoption of a relevant decision by the authorized body,” the deputy minister said.

It is noteworthy that earlier a pilot program on the introduction of the probation service was launched in Armenia. Pilot units of the probation service are beginning to function in the city of Vanadzor and Yerevan’s Shengavit administrative district.