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On January 30, 2026, the Prison Monitoring Group (PMG), led by its Chair Sergey Gabrielian, conducted an unannounced monitoring visit to Armavir Penitentiary. During the visit, the Group’s members were not granted access to the institution in accordance with the Regulations Governing the Activities of the Prison Monitoring Group, approved by the Order of the Minister of Justice of the Republic of Armenia. The observers were required to wait approximately 20 minutes before being allowed to enter the institution, which is contrary to the principle of unhindered access established by the Regulations and undermines the effective implementation of public oversight. The activities of the Prison Monitoring Group are based on the relevant provisions of the Constitution of the Republic of Armenia, the Penitentiary Code of the Republic of Armenia, as well as international instruments ratified by the Republic of Armenia. An official letter concerning the above-mentioned incident and other obstacles identified during the visit was addressed to the Ministry of Justice of the Republic of Armenia. In its response, the Ministry instructed the relevant staff of penitentiary institutions to once again be informed of the Group’s mandate and of their obligation to ensure the Group’s unhindered access. During the monitoring visit, the Group also documented a number of healthcare-related concerns. In particular: A person deprived of liberty, N.K., reported experiencing severe stabbing pain in the heart area and difficulty breathing for several consecutive days. A person deprived of liberty, A.A., reported that for several months no medical examination had been conducted by the Penitentiary Medicine Center SNCO, and that the necessary medication had not been provided. According to the response received from the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Armenia, the entries in N.K.’s outpatient medical record indicate that he had not been examined by a cardiologist because he had not sought medical assistance with cardiovascular complaints. The response further states that he had not contacted the medical staff of the institution regarding the deterioration of his leg condition, and therefore no need for consultation with a vascular specialist had been identified. During the monitoring visit, the Group members also spoke with the duty physician of the institution, who confirmed both the existence and the substance of the complaints raised by the person deprived of liberty. Ensuring timely and adequate medical care for persons deprived of liberty is a direct obligation of the State arising from both national legislation and international commitments. The Prison Monitoring Group reiterates that public oversight of the penitentiary system and the full protection of the right to health of persons deprived of liberty are legal obligations, and expects full cooperation from the competent state authorities in ensuring the protection of human rights. Documents: Prison Monitoring Group's official letters: https://drive.google.com/.../1TUFJKMvb26sbwZryG8W.../view... https://drive.google.com/.../13aVvSiDzJ7f3pIlPlFP.../view... Response of the Ministry of Justice of the Republic of Armenia: https://drive.google.com/.../1Tat3wMQxG.../view... Response of the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Armenia: https://drive.google.com/.../1hvcNZIEkg1Ajj3JUg8M.../view... Mentions: Azatutyun Radio Hetq Tert.am Factor TV Ministry of Health of the Republic of Armenia Government of the Republic of Armenia