On January 27, 2017, the representatives of RA Human Rights Defender’s Office by the assignment of the Defender visited Nubarashen penitentiary institution of RA Ministry of Justice, met with a detainee kept there, Ararat Khandoyan, on the basis of the oral complaint of his advocate Ara Gharagyozyan.
During a private conversation it was found out that on January 26, 2017 A. Khandoyan had been isolated and moved to a punishment cell. A. Khandoyan was subjected to disciplinary penalty on the basis of a decision made on January 27, 2017.
After the private conversation with A. Khandoyan and examination of his cell conditions, it was revealed that the cell conditions were not sufficient, among them the absence of part of the window glass which was covered by cardboard.
Based on the complaints by Ararat Khandoyan and his advocate, as well as the results of cell examination, the question of changing A. Khandoyan’s cell has already been raised.
The Defender has also initiated a written discussion procedure, and clarifications will be required from RA Ministry of Justice.