The Armenian Bar Association expresses its serious concern about the infringement of the
fundamental and professional rights of lawyers in Armenia following a recent, public statement
by the country’s Supreme Judicial Council (SJC), a 10-member body whose membership is
dominated by appointments from the current ruling party. In its statement, the SJC broadly
admonishes lawyers to cease any commentaries deemed critical of judges. While recognizing
the SCJ’s mandate to safeguard judicial independence, the SJC’s blanket censure directed at
the legal profession risks creating a chilling effect on lawful, good-faith professional expression
and advocacy.
Lawyers are independent professionals whose constitutional and statutory
guarantees—including Article 64 of the Armenian Constitution and the Law on
Advocacy—protect their basic right to provide legal analysis and, when appropriate, offer both
positive and critical commentary on judicial decisions. International law, including Article 10 of
the European Convention on Human Rights, reinforces this principle, ensuring lawyers may fully
participate in public discourse without fear of intimidation.
The Armenian Bar Association supports the Chamber of Advocates of Armenia which has, in
turn, called into question the SJC’s unwarranted overstep of its domain. Constructive, ethical
criticism is not an attack on judicial independence; it is an essential element of accountability
and the rule of law. Silencing lawyers undermines democratic governance, public confidence in
the justice system, and the protection of human rights.
Background Note:
On February 20, 2026, the Supreme Judicial Council issued a statement asserting that certain
social media posts by lawyers were inconsistent with professional ethics and could discredit
judges and the judiciary. In response, the Council of the Chamber of Advocates of Armenia
condemned the SJC statement as unacceptable, emphasizing that concerns about lawyer
conduct must be addressed through legal mechanisms established under the Law on Advocacy.
The Chamber reaffirmed the independence of lawyers, the legitimacy of reasoned critique of
judicial decisions, and the importance of protecting lawyers from intimidation or interference in
professional activity
