In order to prevent the spread of the new type of coronavirus (COVID-19) infection, the Chamber of Advocates of the Republic of Armenia urges the advocates to:
- Avoid attending court hearings and investigative actions (except for urgent cases) until 23 March, 2020, by filing petitions for adjourned court hearings and investigative actions that day;
- to perform the written actions (by way of a written response to the appeal, to file a complaint) by 23 March, 2020;
- Abstain from meeting clients in probationary ward (detention centers) until 23 March, 2020, except in urgent cases;
- Use the most of the electronic platforms (e-cadastre.am, e-register.am) when making advocacy requests.
- Send the notes electronically in relations with the Chamber of Advocates;
- At the risk of being isolated, inform the Chamber of Advocates for the organization of defense of the rights of the advocate, as well as for assistance with the cases handled by the advocate.
The Chamber of Advocates will also limit citizens’ access to the Public Defender’s office by 23 March, 2020, providing consultation by telephone, video call, email and other possible means, except for urgent cases. In cases of urgency, the Public Defender’s Office will provide legal assistance to citizens as prescribed.
Until 23 March, 2020, some members of the Chamber of Advocates, including the Public Defender’s Office, will be able to work from home (preference will be given to employees with children, health problems, and those over 60).
Health to all.
President of the Chamber Ara Zohrabyan made this statement and noted that it was on behalf of the Chamber of Advocates.
“I urge judges and investigators to delay until 2020 hearings and investigative actions scheduled for the period until 23 March, except for urgent hearings and actions,” he said.
