Judge Tells 28-Year-Old Short Citizen, 'Let that little one stand...': What's Happening in Regional Courts

Arman Garibyan, co-founder of the NGO 'Strength of Law', wrote on his Facebook page: 'I go to the regional courts and see: Tavush - The judge arrives in the courtroom with QOSS in hand, without a robe, to see who has dared to attend his session... We were not expected.

Kotayk - Knowing that observers have arrived, the judge communicates through the usher that 'what's the need for you to enter the hall, we are finishing up soon'. It’s as if we were laying out a bread table, and he says, 'What’s the need, let’s have a coffee and go again...'

Aramavir - The judge, referring to a short citizen sitting in the hall, says, 'Let that little one stand...'. It turned out that this 'little one' was 28 years old.

Aramavir - The judge insists, with a grating tone, that to be present at the session and take notes, one must ask for permission from the parties. When I quote the law and assert that there is no legal requirement for this, and he MUST BE AWARE OF THIS AS A JUDGE, the judge has no choice but to remain silent...

Syunik - The judge forces a journalist to write a WRITTEN application before the session to allow him to attend and take pictures. In other words, he ignores the rules set by the Supreme Judicial Council, which clarify how journalists should address the court for photography and filming.

In summary, they are still not accustomed in the regions to seeing a journalist as an observer in the courtroom. One must visit the regional courts as much as possible for them to get used to seeing eyes and not saying or doing foolish things. From my experience, I am convinced that when you maintain modesty, the judges try to assert themselves, they may raise their voices and say unnecessary and stupid things. The moment you make a cultured yet firmly assertive intervention (if, of course, you are in the right according to the law), they will never try to disturb you again.

So don't be afraid, enter the courts and observe their work carefully.'