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The Armenian National Assembly adopted in the second reading and in full on Friday the draft law on the Civil Procedure Code and the attached package of bills, which propose sanctions for advocates for procedural violations. 

The bill passed with 59 votes for and 25 votes against, with 10 MPs abstaining from voting.

During the parliamentary debates on the bill, Yelk opposition faction MP Artak Zeynalyan voiced his arguments against the legislative measure, claiming the institute of fining advocates ‘contradicts the right to a fair trial’. 

He urged the Armenian Chamber of Advocates to file an appeal with the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) demanding the court to recognize their rights violated.   

The MP also expressed readiness to lodge an appeal with the Constitutional Court to dispute the legitimacy of the provisions of the bill if he receives support from other opposition lawmakers.

Gevorg Kostanyan from the RPA faction noted the law does not raise issues with the ECHR.

Mikayel Melkumyan of the opposition Tsarukyan alliance announced advocates are not to blame for the ‘disgraceful state of judiciary’, adding the faction will vote freely.