The “Civil Society Institute” NGO (CSI) introduced to the discussion of concerned government agencies the model for the reform of Early Conditional Release System.
The current three-level system of early conditional release in Armenia according to the experts does not work effectively (administrative committee of the penitentiary – Independent Commission – Court). In 2013, only 5 percents of the convicts that were recommended for the early conditional release were released. The system lacks clear standards and is unpredictable for the convicts. The decisions of the Independent Commission are not reasoned and are not subject to appeal.
According to the model proposed by the CSI, the Independent Commission shall not act as such. The corresponding experts of the penitentiary institution shall evaluate the past and the present of the convict who is suggested for the early conditional release and provide opinion. Whereas the independent body (the probation service which will be established in future or another body which carries out similar functions, e.g. the currently operating the Alternative Punishment Implementation Department) shall assess the factors related to the future and suggest conditions, which shall be proposed to the person subject to early conditional release, as well as assess his/her needs and offer support and rehabilitation programs.
Based on these two reasoned conclusions the risks of recidivism of the person subject to early conditional release will be assessed and the results will be provided to the convict and sent to the prosecutor’s office. The person subject to early conditional release, considering the results of the provided opinion shall decide in 10 days period whether he wishes his case on early conditional release to be discussed in the court or not, as in case of rejection he will have no opportunity to apply to the court with the same request during the 6 months.
CSI believes that there should be distinct and feasible standards for early conditional release, which will enable assessment of recidivism risks and needs assessment, so that the convict who appears in the penitentiary shall know what he can do for early conditional release. The organization has attached to the model for the reform of Early Conditional Release, a draft recidivism risks assessment tool as well.
“Civil Society Institute” NGO
