21 Feb. 2026
Unannounced Monitoring Visit to Armavir Penitentiary Institution
On January 30, 2026, the Prison Monitoring Group, led by the Chair Sergey Gabrielian, conducted an unannounced monitoring visit to the “Armavir” Penitentiary Institution.
During the visit, the Group members’ entry to the institution was not facilitated in accordance with the procedure for the activities of the Group, which is approved by the Order of the Minister of Justice of the Republic of Armenia. The observers had to wait approximately 20 minutes to enter the institution, which contradicts the principle of unhindered access established by the procedure and undermines the logic of effective civil oversight.
The activities of the Group are based on the relevant articles of the Constitution of the Republic of Armenia, provisions of the Penitentiary Code of the Republic of Armenia, as well as international treaties ratified by Armenia.
An official letter regarding the aforementioned incident and other recorded obstacles has been sent to the Ministry of Justice of the Republic of Armenia. In its response, the Ministry instructed the relevant penitentiary staff to be re-informed of the Group’s authority and the obligation to ensure unhindered access.
During the monitoring visit, health-related issues were also recorded.
Specifically:
- N.K. reported experiencing sharp chest pains and difficulty breathing for several days.
- A.A. reported that for months he had not undergone the necessary medical examinations by the Penitentiary Medical Center and had not been provided with the required medications.
According to the response received from the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Armenia, based on entries in the outpatient medical record, N.K. was not examined by a cardiologist because he had not reported any complaints related to the cardiovascular system. In addition, the medical staff of the subdivision did not receive any complaint regarding the deterioration of his leg condition, and the need for consultation with a vascular specialist was not recorded.
During the monitoring visit, the Group members also spoke with the on-duty physician of the facility, who confirmed the existence and content of the complaints reported by the inmates.
Providing proper and timely medical care to inmates is a direct responsibility of the state, arising from both national legislation and international obligations.
The Group reiterates that the implementation of public oversight in the penitentiary system and ensuring the full protection of inmates’ health rights are legal obligations and expects the full cooperation of state authorities to ensure the protection of human rights.
Observer Group Letter:
Ministry of Justice Response Letter:
Ministry of Health Response Letter:
Since 2012 Dignity Humanitarian NGO has been an active member of the Prison Monitoring Group and the presiding NGO of the Group since 2024.
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