In case when an official submits incomplete or false declaration to the Commission on Ethics of High-Ranking Officials, then, according to the draft under discussion it is provided to apply warning for the first time, a fine of 200 thousand AMD will be applied for the second time. In case of the third infringement the high official will be fined for 1 million AMD.
Varuzhan Hoktanyan, the Executive Director of “Transparency International” (TI) Anti-Corruption NGO, states that the Executive had not foreseen mechanisms for calling to responsibility in case of 4 or more violations of the official who submits false declaration. “I believe that a criminal liability should be applied in such cases. I asked the Minister of Justice about this. The answer was ‘may be criminal’. I think that for the fourth time the official should be imprisoned or a fine of 1 billion AMD shall be imposed,” Mr. Hoktanyan said.
According to him 1 million AMD is a funny sum, which means nothing for an official who fails to submit a declaration. Dismissal from position shall also be applied. According to the draft, of the Executive, it turns out that the official, who did not provide declaration for three times, is left untouched,” Executive Director of TI said.
