Probation to be introduced in Armenia
Arthur Baghdasaryan, Secretary of Armenia's National Security Council (NSC), attended on Friday a seminar discussion organized by the RA Justice Ministry and the EU Advisory Group to Armenia.
The seminar was attended by Justice Minister Hrayr Tovmasyan, Head of the EU delegation to Armenia, Ambassador Traian Hristea and President of the European Organization for Probation Marc Ceron.
In his opening remarks, Mr. Baghdasaryan said, "Measures must be taken towards reducing the load of correctional facilities [in Armenia] and making them consistent with EU standards. We should also carry out reforms in the means of punishment for those persons who do not pose a threat to society."
The introduction of probation service in Armenia is foreseen by the 2012-2016 judiciary reforms and 2012-2013 Armenia-EU program.
Arthur Baghdasaryan says probation as an alternative form of punishment has a number of advantages and its introduction will contribute to correcting people who have committed crimes and reintegrating them into the society.
