The representatives of the Human Rights Defender conducted an unannounced visit to “Nubarashen” Penitentiary institution and examined the detention conditions of persons deprived of liberty, who announced a hunger strike.
According to the protesters, the hunger strike is conditioned solely by the states of the criminal cases investigated in the courts, interference upon which is beyond the competences of the Human Rights Defender. This has also been clarified to persons on hunger strike.
Within the visit the representatives of the Defender held a subsequent private interview with Arkadi Papyan, who has been on hunger strike since 15 April and periodically engaged in water strikes.
By the instruction of the Defender, private interviews with Arkadi Papyan are conducted during each visit to “Nubarashen” Penitentiary institution.
His detention conditions and medical records are examined.
Based on the results of the visits, taking into account that within the visit on 7 May a case of Arkady Papyan's loss of consciousness was recorded, letters with corresponding questions were sent to the Penitentiary Service of the RA Ministry of Justice.
In connection with the hunger strike, issues related to the dynamics of Arkadi Papyan's health condition, constant medical control, and additional socio-psychological measures were raised.
As of the last visit conducted on 21 May, it was recorded that the consciousness of A. Papyan is clear, his orientation is sufficient, he answers questions clearly and assesses his health condition sufficient.
Examination of medical records showed loss of weight.
Another person who went on hunger strike complained of regular loss of consciousness, which according to him is conditioned by his illness.
The issue was immediately discussed with the doctors of the penitentiary institution, and an agreement was reached to carry out the necessary medical examinations at the earliest possibility and to organize appropriate medical consultation.
Within the unannounced visits the representatives of the Human Rights Defender always inform persons conducting hunger strikes in penitentiary institutions about the negative consequences of the hunger strike. However, it should be taken into account that conducting a hunger strike is the right of a detained or convicted person, and no one has the right to force an end to the hunger strike.
Moreover, according to the current legislation, medical examination and forced feeding of a person who is consciously continuing a hunger strike is prohibited.
The issues of all persons in penitentiary institutions, which are connected with hunger strike, are always under the attention of the Defender.