Capital punishment in Armenia

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== Capital Punishment in Armenia ==

Capital punishment in Armenia refers to the legal process in which a person is sentenced to death by the state as a punishment for a crime. Armenia, a country located in the South Caucasus region of Eurasia, has undergone significant changes in its legal stance on capital punishment over the years.

Historical Context

Capital punishment has a long history in Armenia, dating back to ancient times. During the Soviet era, Armenia, as part of the Soviet Union, practiced capital punishment for a variety of crimes, including murder and treason. The death penalty was carried out by shooting.

Abolition of Capital Punishment

After gaining independence from the Soviet Union in 1991, Armenia began to reconsider its stance on capital punishment. The country imposed a moratorium on executions in 1991, and the last execution took place in 1991. In 2003, Armenia ratified the Second Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, which aims at the abolition of the death penalty. Subsequently, in 2006, Armenia abolished capital punishment in all circumstances, including for crimes committed during wartime.

Legal Framework

The abolition of capital punishment in Armenia is enshrined in the country's Constitution. Article 24 of the Constitution explicitly prohibits the death penalty. Additionally, Armenia is a member of the Council of Europe, which advocates for the abolition of the death penalty among its member states.

Current Status

As of today, Armenia is considered a death penalty-free zone. The country has replaced the death penalty with life imprisonment as the maximum punishment for the most serious crimes. Armenia's commitment to the abolition of capital punishment is also reflected in its international obligations and human rights commitments.

Public Opinion

Public opinion on capital punishment in Armenia has been mixed. While some segments of the population support the death penalty for heinous crimes, there has been a growing awareness and acceptance of human rights principles that advocate for the abolition of capital punishment.

See Also

• Human rights in Armenia
• Judicial system of Armenia
• Council of Europe
• Second Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights
• Constitution of Armenia

References

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