In 2021 Armenia with the support of the Council of Europe took a significant step toward the strengthening the execution of judgments from the European Court of Human Rights with the adoption and implementation of the country’s new Criminal Code and Criminal Procedure Code. These reforms represent a landmark in aligning national legislation with European standards.

While the legislative reforms mark a key milestone, ongoing challenges primarily relate to law enforcement practices. As a result, continuous capacity building among judges, prosecutors and legal practitioners remains crucial to ensure a proper understanding and application of the innovative approaches embedded in the new Criminal Procedure Code – particularly its novel provision concerning digital search procedures. 

The workshop organised on 26 and 27 May brought together legal professionals from Armenia, representatives of the European Court of Human Rights, and lawyers from the Council of Europe’s Department for the Execution of Judgments. The event provided a platform to discuss critical issues, including the interference with electronic devices in the case law of the European Court of Human Rights, and the practical implementation of compensation mechanisms. This joint effort underscores Armenia’s growing commitment to fulfilling its obligations under the European Convention on Human Rights and ensuring effective remedies at the national level.

Clare Ovey, Director of Human Rights Directorate of the Council of Europe, praised the cooperation with the Court of Cassation of Armenia and the Office of the Representative of Armenia on International Legal Matters. “The progress achieved would not have been possible without your active involvement and dedication,” Ms Ovey stated.

Lilit Tadevosyan, President of the Court of Cassation of Armenia emphasised that the event is important both for strengthening cooperation with the Council of Europe and for ensuring the effective protection of rights guaranteed by the European Convention on Human Rights. Ms Tadevosyan also underlined the important role of the Court of Cassation in preventing violations of the rights guaranteed by the European Convention on Human Rights.

Liparit Drmeyan, acting Representative of Armenia on International Legal Matters highlighted the particular significance of the subject matter not only from the standpoint of human rights but also in the context of the new Criminal Procedure Code and emphasised the importance of addressing practical difficulties, and ultimately strengthening collective capacity to protect human rights through effective execution of European Court judgments.

The workshop was organised by the Council of Europe as part of its project “Further Support to the Implementation of the ECHR through effective execution of the European Court of Human Rights judgments in Armenia” implemented within the Council of Europe Action Plan for Armenia 2023-2026.