YEREVAN. – Armenia’s justice system needs to look within from the outside instead of accusing critics, first Ombudsman Larisa Alaverdyan said.

Alaverdyan believes the report issued by present Ombudsman on corruption and lawlessness in the justice system is not surprising. The report contains the same points mentioned in the reports of UN, EU and OSCE that not indicated any positive shifts in justice system.

She said there is not a single person in Armenia who would not agree with the content of yesterday’s report.

“Although we have young lawyers and judges who are trying to change something, I do not believe that justice can be performed without interference of public or Ombudsman’s office,” Larisa Alaverdyan said.

In response to the Justice Department remark that the report was a public relations move, she underscored that Ombudsman’s office does not need publicity.

On Monday Armenia’s Ombudsman Karen Andreasyan released a report accusing judges of taking bribes and criticizing the Court of Cassation.

Photo by Arsen Sargsyan/NEWS.am