Based on the results of monitoring studies and the complaints addressed to the Human Rights Defender, unannounced visits were made to Nubarashen, Vardashen and Prison-Hospital penitentiary institutions.
Private interviews were held with the detainees and the convicts.
Some of the convicts claimed that judicial acts against them were the result of a subjective and unilateral investigation. A number of convicts raised the issue that they were not provided with incentives which hindered their conditional early release. Special attention will be paid to this issue.
The Defender's representatives visited the people who went on a hunger strike. The issues about the provided medical care were examined, their detention conditions, the state of human rights protection and their compliance with the requirements were checked.
Some convicts at Vardashen penitentiary institution raised concerns about health issues. The documents relating to their health conditions were examined and the issue of providing additional medical consultations was raised. A question was raised regarding imposing a ban on visits. According to one detainee, he was unable to see his family for almost a year due to the ban imposed by the investigative bodies. This question will be a subject of a further discussion.
In general, the problem with banning visits from close relatives and especially family members is systemic: it does not comply with international requirements and is subject to fundamental change. In order to solve it, the Defender has proposed legislative amendments, the adoption of which is urgent. Currently, the Defender’s Office works on this issue with the Ministry of Justice.
The representatives of the Defender visited the person on both hunger and thirst strikes. The conditions of his medical care, as well as the documents related to his health have been checked. The detainee's complaint relates solely to the charge against him and investigation.