RA Human Rights Defender`s Office receives reports on degrading  treatment at Arvavir penitentiary 

ArmInfo.  Representatives of the Department for the Prevention of Torture and Cruel Treatment of the Office of the Human Rights Defender conducted a two- day unscheduled monitoring visit to the Armavir Penitentiary Institution  of the RA Ministry of Justice in September and October 2025.

According to the Ombudsman's Office, during the visit, the following  were examined, in particular, the state of nutrition, medical care,  and services for inmates in the penitentiary institution, the  staffing level and working conditions of the institution's staff, the  inmates' contacts with the outside world, issues of psychological  work and resocialization, etc. The Ombudsman welcomes the renovations  carried out at the Armavir Penitentiary Institution in 2025, which  resulted in the complete renovation of the medical building and  quarantine cells located in the penitentiary institution. At the same  time, problems were identified, some of which were systemic. For  example, not all inmates were provided with necessary bedding,  dishes, and hygiene items upon arrival at the correctional facility.  Video recording and surveillance systems installed in the buildings  did not cover the entire area of the correctional facility and often  had technical issues with image playback, which poses challenges for  preventing torture and cruel treatment, as well as ensuring security.  The punishment cell building, including the cells, is in urgent need  of repair. Problems were also recorded with the placement of inmates,  including foreign nationals, in a medical facility providing licensed  outpatient medical care and services.

Difficulties were also identified in organizing medical examinations  and specialized consultations for individuals deprived of their  liberty, including foreign citizens, in a timely and uninterrupted  manner. In many cases, this was also due to a lack of security and  transportation. A number of individuals deprived of their liberty  were effectively held in solitary confinement for extended periods in  violation of established legal procedures. Problems were also  recorded with the initial medical examination of individuals deprived  of liberty newly admitted to the correctional facility. In  particular, the examination continues to be conducted improperly: a  full medical examination is not conducted; it is conducted in a room  designated for searches in the quarantine department, along with  searches conducted by correctional facility staff. Furthermore, this  room is neither designed nor equipped for medical examinations. A  preliminary medical examination was conducted upon initial admission  to the penitentiary institution. In other cases, such as when being  brought to court or participating in other procedural or evidentiary  proceedings, a medical examination upon admission was not conducted.  Expired medical supplies, including rapid hepatitis C test strips,  were recorded. The presence of insects and rodents was recorded in  the premises, including cells. Information was received regarding  cruel treatment of inmates, requiring an appropriate investigation.  Issues with providing food to individuals brought to court were  noted. A shortage of psychologists remains.

The Ombudsman's Office also noted problems with clothing provision  for detained foreign citizens and recorded problems with food  provision for foreign citizens imprisoned for religious reasons. The  Office believes that it is necessary to improve working relationships  between the medical staff of the Penitentiary Medicine Center, the  State Non-Governmental Organization (SNCO), and representatives of  the penitentiary administration.

Representatives of the Ombudsman's Office discussed the above issues  with the penitentiary administration and medical staff. The issues  discussed will be summarized, and a document reflecting them, along  with proposals for addressing the identified problems, will be sent  to the competent authorities at the local level. The Ombudsman also  pays close attention to ensuring adequate working conditions for  penitentiary staff, which will also be the subject of special  discussions during interactions with the competent authorities.