This report contains the results of the ODIHR trial monitoring project (“the project”) in the aftermath of the 1-2 March 2008 post-election violence in Yerevan reveal shortcomings in the adjudication of related trials. Recognizing that the trials have taken place amid high public tension and received special public attention, the Armenian authorities could have invested more efforts to ensure their fair and impartial adjudication. This report includes a number of recommendations to assist the Armenian authorities advancing the administration of criminal justice in line with international standards and OSCE commitments.

This report refers to the Basic Principles on the Role of Lawyers with regard to the the right to defend oneself or through legal counsel. The Basic Principles are marked as ‘international standards’ that affirm everyone’s entitlement to assistance of legal counsel and call upon states to create efficient and non-discriminatory procedures and mechanisms “for effective and equal access to lawyers” as well as to ensure “the provision of sufficient funding and other resources for legal services to the poor”.