No Random Candidates: Instead of 'Whiners', They Will Have Pocket Judges

Yesterday, the National Assembly adopted amendments to the Judicial Code in the first and second readings. The amendments proposed by the government aim to increase the number of judges by at least 17, who will specifically handle requests for detention and searches.

Although Justice Minister Rustam Badasyan insisted yesterday that the amendments do not allow for the executive to appoint preferred judges, the reality suggests otherwise. The main body responsible for the nomination of judges is the Supreme Judicial Council, which has recently faced challenges from a rebellious faction within the ruling powers.

During the previous parliamentary session, however, the National Assembly dispatched Gagik Jhangiryan and Davit Khachatryan to the Supreme Judicial Council, both of whom were nominated by the ruling party, meaning they are favorable to the authorities. Prior to them, Grigor Bekmezian was sent on behalf of the faction.

Thus, the authorities now have three new faces on the Supreme Judicial Council, which indicates that instead of 'whining judges', they will have pocket judges, and these individuals will not be randomly chosen nor will they handle random cases. Moreover, this bill was introduced right after the election of the new members of the Supreme Judicial Council.

Writes the 'Zhoghovurd' newspaper.