Will Decriminalization of Drug Use Lead to More Crimes?

On December 1, 2008, another TV program took place on “Lori-TV” within the framework of the project “Legal Aid to Drug Users.”

The participants of the program were Arthur Sakunts, the coordinator of HCA Vanadzor and Karen Tumanyan, a lawyer and member of RA Palace of Advocates.
  A. Sakunts presented the project, which is the continuation of a pilot project. At present the organization has its representations in Alaverdi, Stepanavan, Tashir, Spitak towns of Lori region where the citizens can apply and get free of charge juridical consultation.
  “Within the framework of this project we will continue to complete the legal mechanisms of protecting drug users, as well as we are planning to directly protect their rights” -said Arthur Sakunts.
  We are doing monitoring of lawsuits in Vanadzor, Alaverdi and Stepanavan. The monitoring aims to find out how much the rights of drug users to a fair trial is protected. A report will be made addressed to state structures, as well as to the higher instances of the judicial system.
“We can teach the instruments developed by us and our experience to other organizations, so that these methods can be spread in other regions of the country”-mentioned A. Sakunts.
  Advocate Karen Tumanyan presented the changes made in RA Criminal Code on May 26, 2008. These changes decriminalized drug use, it means that arresting is not a criminal liability any more, but administrative liability is appointed for it. A citizen called and expressed his concern about this saying that this change in the Criminal Code will promote the increase of drug use, which will result in more crimes. K. Tumanyan explained that even if a person is arrested it won’t help him to stop using drugs. “Though the conditions in our detention facilities are in line with European standards they cannot improve a sick person or re-educate him.”
  The second televiewer was interested in whether or not drug addiction, as an illness that can be cured, is clearly separated from a crime according to Criminal Code.
  According to K. Tumanyan, the fact of drug use is confirmed by the doctor’s diagnosis, which is carried out by a relevant state structure. A. Sakunts added that the information on the drug users who get state-funded treatment is confidential until an inquiry is sent to the Ministry of Healthcare by the law enforcement bodies. Whereas in private clinics the full confidentiality of the patients’ details is guaranteed.
  “One of the televiewers said that if someone starts to use drugs he does not understand that he will become addicted, and when arrested he is not cured, moreover he becomes a criminal. He would like a psychologist to speak about the consequences of drugs on TV.”
  Another televiewer expressed an opinion that more preventive events should be organized. Related to this A. Sakunts mentioned that the preventive measures being held are not enough and that the state should carry out preventive programs.
  The project “Legal Aid to Drug Users” is supported by Open Society Institute Assistance Foundation-Armenia.