Nikol Pashinyan defends the idea of transitional justice as “internationally accepted tool”
Armenian Prime Minister has defended the idea of introducing transitional justice system, describing the measure as “an internationally accepted practice.” The PM’s comments came at a short briefing with reporters on Wednesday after the opening ceremony of Armenian-Chinese school in Yerevan.
“Transitional justice is an internationally accepted tool and we had discussions over it with representatives of international organizations from the first days when we came to power,” Pashinyan said.
“I am briefed by law enforcement that millions of dollars are on bank accounts of certain people. Obviously, those are illegally obtained money, yet our legal and criminal regulations do not allow us to properly investigate the origin of the money and return them,” PM justified the need for a system of transitional justice.
Pashinyan reiterated his pledge to not interfere with courts and judges. “The judges who act within the law and are responsible for their rulings are welcome. Yet the same is not intended for those judges who will attempt to endanger the judicial system through ruling decisions under pressure from third parties or bribes.” warned Pashinyan.
To remind, the idea of introducing a transitional judicial system was first voiced by the PM during the demonstration on August 17 in the Republic Square devoted to the100th day in office. The controversial initiative received much criticism from the Republican Party of Armenia that labeled the move as apparent threat to the independence of the judicial power, interference to all ongoing and upcoming judicial proceedings and court decisions.
Parliament Speaker Ara Babloyan called the thesis of transitional justice an anti-legal hint of giving the retroactive effect to the laws.
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