ArmInfo.Cooperation in the development of a new Criminal Code reflects the level of relations between Armenia and the EU. This was stated at the public discussions on the draft Criminal Code by the representative of the EU delegation to Armenia, Ekaterina Dorodnova.
Dorodnova noted that the EU welcomes the implementation of an anti-corruption strategy in Armenia and will continue to assist in judicial reform in the country. <The EU takes judicial reform very seriously. These reforms also include changes in criminal justice, including the development of a new Criminal Code is an essential element of reform. It also includes actions aimed at retraining judges and court officials at the Academy of Justice, as well as strengthening the institutional capacities of criminal justice institutions, "she explained. According to her, the draft Criminal Code contributes to progress in criminal justice reform and helps strengthen legislative, methodological and institutional capacities.
In addition, as Dorodnova noted, in Armenia the program provides expert assistance in the development and application of criminal legislation. <It is important to evaluate the implementation process of the roadmap to combat violence, corruption and other crimes. The approaches that were developed take into account the peculiarities of Armenia and are aimed at increasing the level of knowledge regarding the protection of the right to life, which complements the country's efforts towards reforms>, she noted. RA Minister of Justice Rustam Badasyan noted that an inclusive discussion was held regarding the development of the draft Criminal Code and the Code of Criminal Procedure. <The draft new Criminal Code is aimed at solving several main tasks: new types of punishments are envisaged, in the context of restorative justice as an alternative to punitive policies, increasing the effectiveness of existing types of sanctions in accordance with the logic of the fight against corruption. We also expect to include a list of corruption crimes in the Criminal Code, in the framework of the fight against corruption, in accordance with modern challenges and international requirements, finalize and clarify the concepts and elements of the crime,> Badasyan said.
He stressed that in addition to this, it is envisaged to increase the thresholds for limitation of criminal liability, the effectiveness of the institution of exemption from criminal liability, and to provide special mechanisms for minors. The Minister expressed hope that in the spring of 2020, these tasks will be discussed in parliament.