Yesterday the Armenian government presented a draft law “on operative investigation activities” to the parliament. One of the most importants part of the draft is the provision on listening to conversations. This provision concerns two cases, one of which concerns crimes that are subject to imprisonment for over five years and there are no other ways of getting information: “Such operative actions should be conducted solely by the decision of the court except of serious crimes such as terror or attacking on the atomic station” said Justice minister David Harutyunyan. They suggested to found a separate department entitled to listen to phone conversations. “This sphere is very hard to control and as well as it is hard to create mechanisms not allowing the institutions in charge of that right abuse their rights by exceeding their powers” said the minister and suggested to found a separate department, which would do the orders of the other operative investigation departments. According to the mentioned draft only the National Security Services, Police and Justice ministry are entitled to listen to phone conversations. Usually in Armenian businessmen and other citizens always try to be careful in their conversations since they are always afraid that someone may listen to their conversation. However, it is not so difficult in Armenia to listen to conversations and get confidential information. Yesterday the parliament rejected the mentioned draft by first reading. Even more, the National Security Services very often leave their duties and throw themselves into personal relations of citizens.
