new CEP member: The Probation Service of Armenia

The Probation Service in Armenia was established not long ago in September 2016 acting under the Ministry of Justice of the Republic of Armenia.

The issues of the Probation Service, the basics of organization and operation, the special features of the Probation Service as a state service, as well as the powers of the Probation Service are defined by the Law of the Republic of Armenia “On Probation Service”, Law “On Probation” and other legal acts.

The main objectives of the RA MOJ Probation Service are

1. prevention of possible unlawful behavior of the accused during the criminal proceedings and the implementation of measures to ensure the fulfillment of the obligations imposed on him by the court, through the enforcement of alternative measures;
2. restoration of social justice through the execution of punishment and other compulsory measures against a person recognized guilty of a crime, re-socialization of the person subjected to punishment as well as ensuring normal physical and mental development for the probation minor adults beneficiaries, their upbringing and the protection of others from the negative influence;
3. ensuring public safety by preventing and reducing recidivism;
4. Mediation between the probation beneficiary and the victim (victim’s successor);
5. assistance in the implementation of criminal justice.

Why did your organisation decide to join CEP? 

We chose to be a part of the European Probation family as we find it very important to widen our scope of cooperation with the probation services of different countries, as well as to form an effective partnership in the field of criminal justice in Europe, as Criminal justice is the central element of any national system of human rights protection. We are united by the belief that probation can provide punishment that is more constructive than prison.

How do you envision contributing to the development of CEP, its projects, actions, and work programme?

The contribution of the RA MOJ Probation Service may vary depending on the program’s needs. We are committed to aligning with CEP’s vision and mission and supporting any initiatives it undertakes. We are prepared to share relevant knowledge and skills with the organisation and its members, recognizing that each CEP member brings a unique set of skills and talents to address various challenges.

What are the main priorities, topics, or themes you would like CEP to address more frequently, and how would you leverage your knowledge to support and participate in developing its actions and work programme? 

We are particularly interested in exploring the following topics:

• Mediation
• Re-socialization and reintegration programs for probation beneficiaries,
• Implementation of Electronic monitoring,
• Risk and needs assessment tools

With the adoption of the new Criminal Procedure Code in 2022, the RA MOJ Probation Service has implemented several alternative preventive measures, resulting in a subsequent reduction in the prison population. We are eager to share our experiences and practices in home arrest, administrative supervision, and the supervision of released parolees.

Why do you think it is so important to promote alternative sanctions and measures and what is the state of play in your country in this?

Promoting alternative sanctions and measures is essential for reducing imprisonment, lowering the prison population, ensuring a cost-effective system, having a greater impact on re-offending, and adopting a human rights-based approach towards vulnerable groups in the community.

Criminal justice reforms in Armenia, initiated in the late 90s, aimed to align legislation with the requirements of modern democratic society. The changes in the law focus on expanding the scope of non-custodial punishment measures. The adoption of new Criminal and Criminal Procedure Codes has led to a revision of the punishment system, expanding the list of penalties serving as alternatives to imprisonment, including new alternative types of punishment such as restriction on liberty, home arrest, administrative supervision, and security measures like bans on visiting certain places and obligations to receive psychological assistance.