Armenian Ombudsperson confirms mental health issues of previously hospitalized serviceman

ArmInfo. Armenia's Human  Rights Defender, Anahit Manasyan, confirmed the mental health issues  of a previously hospitalized conscript.

In an interview with journalists, Manasyan, commenting on the  information about the beating of a conscript of the Armenian Armed  Forces and the response of the Office of the Human Rights Defender  (OHRD), noted that some of the issues raised during a private  conversation with the serviceman were of a personal in nature,  including his mental health.

According to Manasyan, no signs of severe physical abuse were  identified during her individual conversation with the soldier. "This  conversation was built on trust, and during it, I promised not to  disclose the circumstances he shared, as some of the topics touched  upon were personal, including his psychological well-being," the  Defender stated.

Consequently, Manasyan explained that she cannot disclose certain  circumstances of the case, while assuring that the matter remains  under her close supervision. "We are actively monitoring the  situation. At present, his mental condition is under observation.  Therefore, I urge sensitivity regarding this issue in public  communications," Manasyan emphasized.

She also noted that she expects an appropriate decision to be made on  the matter, as it will be crucial for assessing his fitness for  military service. The Armenian Ombudsperson clarified that the  conscript is serving in accordance with Article 7(g) (a provision of  the medical regulations determining fitness categories for military  service in the presence of specific mild or chronic pathologies),  under which he was deemed fit for service with restrictions.

"However, what is important now is to focus on his current condition  and subsequently make a proper professional decision. This is the  most critical issue at this stage. That is why we are in constant  contact with the authorized bodies to ensure the correct decision is  made," the Defender said.