Self-mutilation cases increased in 10 penitentiary institutions of Armenia

ArmInfo. In 10 penitentiary  institutions (PI) in Armenia, there has been an increase in  self-mutilation cases among prisoners, as noted in a message received  by ArmInfo from the press service of the "Public Journalism Club"  NGO. According to official data, in 2024, 205 prisoners harmed  themselves, a significant increase from the 155 cases reported in  2023.

The message also notes that during the discussion on the topic  "Prevention of Self-mutilation and Suicide in Penitentiary  Institutions", held at the media center of the club, Tsogik  Aleksanyan, the Head of the Department of Social, Psychological and  Legal work of the Penitentiary Service at the RA Ministry of Justice,  presented the data. She reported that as of the beginning of 2024,  626 cases of self-harm had been registered, including 101 verbal  statements about self-harm. 

According to her, the highest number of cases is observed in  penitentiary institutions, where prisoners are kept in more isolated  conditions. Aleksanyan noted that the highest rates were recorded in  the Armavir and Nubarashen penitentiary institutions. The discussion  was held with funding from the European Union as part of the "Media  for Reform" grant, which aims to promote public dialogue on reforming  the penitentiary and probation systems in Armenia. The event was  organized by the  "Public Journalism Club" NGO.