On October 7, representatives of Armenia’s Human Rights Defender’s office visited the Nubarashen and Vardashen penitentiaries, following instructions from Ombudsman Anahit Manasyan.
The visit included several closed-door meetings, among them a confidential conversation with inmate Arsen Ghukasyan, according to the Ombudsman’s Office.
The visit focused on monitoring the protection of prisoners’ rights, including health care access, overall detention conditions, and related concerns.
During these meetings, inmates raised several issues, which were discussed with the management of both correctional institutions and representatives of the Penitentiary Medical Center.
The details of the visit remain classified and will not be made public.
The Ombudsman’s Office stated that the findings will be summarized and relevant government bodies will be asked to provide clarifications regarding the issues identified.
