Court proceedings could increasingly be conducted via videoconference, Armenian Interior Minister Arpine Sargsyan said while presenting a legislative initiative in the National Assembly.

According to the minister, the proposal seeks to introduce the videoconferencing mechanism not only during the trial stage but also in penitentiary institutions during the execution of sentences.

“The use of videoconferencing may be initiated either at the request of the defendant or on the court’s own initiative. Appropriate legal grounds and conditions must exist. For example, it may be necessary for the protection of public order, health, the fundamental rights and freedoms of private participants in the proceedings, ensuring their safety, preventing crimes, or guaranteeing a trial within a reasonable timeframe,” Sargsyan said, according to Sputnik Armenia.

She noted that the participation of a defense attorney in the proceedings would be mandatory.

Under the proposal, defense lawyers would participate in hearings via videoconference from the location where the defendant is being held. An exception would apply if both the lawyer and the defendant agree to waive that right and request that the attorney participate directly from the courtroom.

The minister also emphasized that significant resources are currently spent on transporting convicted persons to court, which is why the use of videoconferencing is also being proposed for such situations.