ArmInfo.Representatives of the Office of the Ombudsman made an unannounced visit to the Armavir and Vardashen penitentiaries, held separate conversations with 10 persons arrested in a criminal case initiated in connection with the unrest in Ijevan. During the conversation, the arrested individuals complained that the charges against them were unfounded. According to them, in the cases there is no evidence of their guilt.
On the initiative of the Office of the Ombudsman, due to the poor attitude of the Police officers during the arrest of participants of the Ijevan campaign, production has already been initiated.
During the visit to the penitentiary institutions, problems related to the health status of prisoners were also raised, which, by their nature and necessity, were discussed with the management of the penitentiary institution, a lawyer involved in criminal proceedings, or family members of the accused.
Dissatisfaction with the conditions and attitude of the employees of the penitentiary institutions "Armavir" and "Vardashen" were not represented.
Fixed problems are summarized and sent to the prosecutor's office, the police and the Ministry of Justice. As part of the case initiated on its own initiative, the Ombudsman continues to take all measures necessary by law to protect human rights.
It should be noted that on July 26 in Ijevan, a protest against the toughening of punishments for illegal logging was held. In particular, the residents of Ijevan and the surrounding villages demanded that the government lift the sanctions, allow illegal logging, arguing that this is the only source of income for local residents. Due to clashes between law enforcement officers and local residents, 13 people were hospitalized, 19 protesters were detained.