This call followed a judge’s decision to release former Armenian president Kocharyan from pre-trial detention, AzVision.az reports citing PACE.
“Without prejudice to the merits of this decision, we wish to emphasize that the independence of the judiciary is a pre-requisite for the rule of law, and that the rule of law is therefore best served by the absence of any interference from political actors. There are clear legal procedures, such as appeals to a higher court, to challenge a court decision that seems questionable. Respecting the rule of law requires respecting the procedures that exist to protect all citizens, irrespective of who they are,” said the co-rapporteurs.
"However, we recognize that the reaction of the public to this court decision underscores the still low level of public trust in the judiciary,” they added.
More about: PACE Armenia Nikol-Pashinyan
