RA Chamber of Advocates has today convened a round table on the theme “Refusal to Benefit from Public Defenders’ Services”. As seen in a report submitted by lawyers, public defenders’ services are mostly rejected in Kotayk, Gegharkunik and Arragatsotn regions.
In 2008, 291 out of 364 defendants refused to benefit from advocates’ services at the stage of inquest. As of 2009, 42 out of 102 defendants in Yerevan rejected public defenders’ services.
Lawyers believe this either results from lack of information on service being free or public distrust. In their report, they also say that investigators often coerce accused individuals into refusing such services.
