Traffic police penalize drivers without presenting evidence
Traffic police often penalize drivers without presenting proof of the underlying violation, says Edward Hovhannisyan, Chairman of Achilles Center for the Defense of Drivers Rights NGO.
Twenty lawsuits have been filed in Armenian courts recently, with drivers disputing the actions of traffic police. The police often tell courts that videotapes are not preserved and judges always support them.
"It becomes clear that the driver has not violated traffic rules; otherwise they will show the footage," said Hovhannisyan adding that policemen get 20 premium from each fine.
To raise the awareness of drivers, the Centre has organized seminars in nine Armenian marzes. During the first half of 2011, the Center has received 1945 calls. About 304 drivers visited the Centre for consultation.
