CRIMINAL RESPONSIBILITY FOR INTERNATIONAL CRIMES IN ARMENIA: LEGAL AND PRACTICAL ASPECTS
MERI VANUNI
Specialist of the Unit of Organization of Scientific Research and
Programmatic-Methodological Activities of the Academy of Justice,
expert of the budget process coordination department of
Ministry of Finance of the RA
DOI: https://doi.org/10.59546/18290744-2025.1-3-93
Annotation.
This article analyzes the changes made to Armenia’s legislation in 2022, particularly the amendments to the Criminal Code and the Criminal Procedure Code, aimed at more effective implementation of international criminal law norms at the national level. The article examines the introduction of clear definitions of international crimes such as genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity, which allows for their prosecution in Armenia regardless of the time and place of commission. One of the key aspects also involves strengthening coordination between Armenian law enforcement agencies and international judicial bodies, contributing to the improvement of extradition processes and evidence transfer. The article raises issues such as the lack of qualified specialists in international criminal law, insufficient resources for conducting complex investigations, and the technical inadequacy of law enforcement bodies. The political and diplomatic complexities surrounding extradition, which can affect the prosecution of perpetrators, are also emphasized. In conclusion, the article calls for further improvement of national legislation, the development of international cooperation, and the training of specialists to effectively investigate international crimes.