On January 10 evening upon the Human Rights Defender’s decision a working group consisting of psychologist, doctor and lawyer payed an unannounced visit to Nubarashen Penitentiary Institution to meet Arayik Khandoyan, Armen Bilyan and Smbat Barseghyan. During the visit besides private interviews their detention conditions and medical documents have been once again studied.
During the private interview Armen Bilyan informed that he has headaches and dizziness. Examination of his medical documents revealed that during the hunger strike on December 21, 2017 and on January 9, 2018 he has been examined by the Medical Commission and drug treatment has been prescribed. However, Armen Bilyan do not take the medicine due to hunger strike.
During the hunger strike a psychiatrist payed several visits to Armen Biliyan. During the visit it was revealed that it was suggested to transfer him to Prison Hospital Penitentiary Institution, however, he refused, insisting that he want to be transferred to Armavir Penitentiary Institution.
Based on the result of Armen Bilyan’s documents and private interview with him, the Human Rights Defender’s Office records that Armen Bilyan needs consistent psychological assistance. Besides, for avoiding harmful effects of long-lasting hunger strike he needs permanent medical supervision.
During the private interview Smbat Barseghyan informed that due to hunger strike he has general sense of weakness, low blood pressure. Nevertheless, Smbat Barseghyan did not provide other complaint or claim in regard to his health issues again stating that his problem is the transfer to Armavir Penitentiary Institution. On January 9, 2018 Smbat Barseghyan has been examined by the Medical Commission.
Regarding Arayik Khandoyan, it was revealed that upon the raised issue by the Human Rights Defender on the kidney pain, on January 10 he underwent sonographic examination. Today, based on joint efforts between Human Rights Defender’s Office and Penitentiary Service of the Ministry of Justice a visit to urologist is foreseen for Arayik Khandoyan. A number of additional examinations are scheduled as well. The details will be provided to Arayik Khandoyan and his advocate.
In addition to activity carried out through oral procedure, a written procedure is initiated at the Defender’s Office. Specifically, respective written requests are sent to the Penitentiary Service of the Ministry of Justice.
The Human Rights Defender’s Office is constantly in contact with the advocates of Arayik Khandoyan, Armen Bilyan and Smbat Barseghyan.
Only already public information on health condition of named persons are presented with this release.