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The Public Monitoring Group Conducting Public Oversight over Penitentiary Institutions and Bodies of the Ministry of Justice of the Republic of Armenia has documented a number of deeply concerning cases related to the health condition, access to medical care, and personal safety of persons deprived of liberty during its recent monitoring visits. Persons deprived of liberty have reported serious concerns regarding access to healthcare services, necessary medical examinations, specialist consultations, medication, and continuous medical supervision, indicating that these services are either unavailable or insufficiently provided. Key Findings at Nubarashen Penitentiary The Group documented a detainee whose prolonged hunger strike has resulted in severe health complications, including significant weight loss, extreme physical exhaustion, temporary loss of consciousness, and memory impairment. Such a condition poses a serious risk to life and health and requires immediate, independent, and continuous medical supervision. Another detainee reported a previously diagnosed case of echinococcosis, stating that while in detention he had not undergone the necessary medical examinations and had not received appropriate treatment or medication. He also complained of lower back pain, numbness in his back, digestive problems, fever, and nausea. The Group also documented cases involving thyroid disorders, cardiovascular diseases, dermatological conditions, psoriasis, breathing difficulties, numbness of the left arm, chest pain, and the lack or ineffectiveness of prescribed medication. Particularly alarming is the condition of a convicted prisoner who previously underwent cardiac intervention and had two coronary stents implanted. According to the prisoner, the necessary follow-up treatment and continuous cardiological supervision have not been adequately provided. Such cases require urgent cardiological consultation and examination. The Group further documented inappropriate detention conditions for a person with a disability. Due to the inaccessibility of the facility, the wheelchair user is effectively unable to exercise the right to shower or outdoor exercise and depends on cellmates to meet basic sanitary and hygiene needs. This situation is unacceptable and may amount to degrading treatment. The Public Monitoring Group emphasizes that persons deprived of liberty continue to enjoy the right to life, health, dignity, and access to healthcare free from discrimination. The State bears a positive obligation to protect the life and health of persons deprived of liberty. Detention must never result in the neglect of healthcare needs or unjustified delays in the provision of medical treatment. The Public Monitoring Group Calls on the Competent Authorities to: Conduct an immediate, comprehensive assessment of the health conditions of the persons concerned. Ensure access to specialist consultations, including cardiologists, dermatologists, endocrinologists, neurologists, psychiatrists, and other relevant medical professionals. Provide the necessary medication and ensure continuity of medical treatment. Assess the mobility needs of the detainee with a disability and facilitate transfer to an accessible accommodation unit or another suitable penitentiary institution. Ensure the effective realization of the right to health of persons deprived of liberty in accordance with the legislation of the Republic of Armenia and the country's international obligations. The Group recalls that Articles 2 and 3 of the European Convention on Human Rights, the United Nations Convention against Torture, the United Nations Nelson Mandela Rules, as well as the Constitution of the Republic of Armenia and the country's penitentiary legislation require the State to guarantee the life, health, safety, and dignified detention conditions of persons deprived of liberty. The Public Monitoring Group will continue to monitor these cases within the framework of its mandate and closely follow the measures undertaken by the competent authorities. The Group has submitted an official communication on these issues to Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan. Mentions @подписчики @топовые поклонники Nikol Pashinyan / Նիկոլ Փաշինյան Anahit Avanesyan Human Rights Defender of Armenia Government of the Republic of Armenia Ministry of Health of the Republic of Armenia Hetq Azatutyun Radio Factor TV Democracy Development Foundation