Based on complaints addressed to the Human Rights Defender, as well as calls received via hotline of the Defender’s Office, a visit was made to Nubarashen Penitentiary institution of the RA Ministry of Justice.
Representatives of the Defender’s Office held private interviews with persons deprived of liberty, including those who started hunger strike, examined their detention conditions, as well as medical documents.
It was recorded that one of the person’s hunger strike, that had been started since 13 June 2019, was conditioned by a criminal case pending before the court. Representatives of the Defender’s Office presented the person deprived of liberty with the negative consequences of hunger strike on the health condition.
The person on hunger strike raised health issues connected with the hunger strike, such as weight loss, low blood pressure, vomiting and weakness.
Health issues of the person on hunger strike were discussed with the administration of the penitentiary institution and in this regard, an official letter has been sent to the Penitentiary Service of the RA Ministry of Justice.
Main part of the complains of others was mostly concerning the possibility of reviewing court judgments, provided medical assistance, as well as allocation of inmates to prison cells.
Part of the raised issues was discussed with the administration of the penitentiary institution.
The Human Rights Defender will undertake necessary steps within its mandate in order to solve the issues raised by persons deprived of liberty.