President Refuses to Sign Laws and Appeals to the Constitutional Court

The laws "On Amendments and Additions to the Judicial Code of the Republic of Armenia" and "On Amendments and Additions to the Law on the Academy of Justice" (hereinafter referred to as the Laws) were submitted for the signature of the President of the Republic on February 4, 2021. The Laws were examined by the Presidential Administration and independent experts and lawyers.

The President emphasizes the role and importance of the judicial system in ensuring the functioning of the state and the normal life of society. The implementation of court proceedings based on the principles of the supremacy of law, legality, equality before the law and the court, and the fair trial is a necessary condition for strengthening public trust towards the state and the judicial system, as well as for the effective administration of justice.

The application of the Laws should not raise issues regarding the preservation of the principles of judges' independence and impartiality outlined in the Constitution or any interference in the administration of justice. The studies and expert opinions conducted by the Presidential Administration regarding the Laws have led to the conclusion that the Laws appear to be problematic in terms of constitutionality.

The President has refused to sign the Laws and has appealed to the Constitutional Court with the legal grounds and arguments to determine the compliance of the Laws with the Constitution.