Number of public defenders to grow
It is planned to increase the number of public defenders (there are now 32 of them), who deal with criminal cases, by 18.
Following the government session today, at which the decision was taken, Justice Minister Hrayr Tovmasyan gave explanations, saying that the law clearly indicates the types of cases: by the amendment to the Law on Advocacy to take effect in 2013, the social conditions of a trial participants rather than the type of the case will be taken as a basis. Free legal assistance will be provided in civil and administrative cases. "I don't rule out that respective amendments will be made and each lawyer will have to give free assistance for some period. In other words, we will be able to provide services to more people".
He is satisfied with work of public defenders. In his words, sometimes the working load of public defenders is greater than that of some advocates noted for their activity.
Public defenders provide free services to citizens: they receive a salary of about 250,000 drams from the state budget.
The minister believes that it will be possible to improve the quality of public defenders' work by increasing their number. "Respective agreements have already been reached with the head of the Chamber of Advocates, and there are persons who expressed a wish to work. So the problems will rapidly be solved after the decision takes effect".
