Deputy Minister Makes Unannounced Visit to Vardashen Penitentiary

Deputy Minister of Justice Tigran Khachikyan made an unannounced visit to the Vardashen penitentiary today. This information was provided by the ministry's information and public relations department.

Accompanied by the head of the penitentiary, Vazgen Arakelyan, and the management team, the deputy minister observed the conditions of detention for incarcerated and convicted individuals, as well as the ongoing construction works of the fence and external sewage systems within the framework of budget allocations, examining the quality of execution and completion deadlines.

Deputy Minister Khachikyan noted that such visits will be regular, aimed at familiarizing himself with existing agenda issues on the ground and improving the quality of service.

During discussions with the head of the penitentiary, several issues were addressed related to ensuring appropriate open regime conditions, food supply conditions, and statistics on appeals concerning the administration's actions.

During encounters with the facility's staff, employees raised multiple concerns regarding the transport conditions leading to the penitentiary, public transport accessibility, ensuring stable water pressure, waste management, financial allocations for organizing sports events within the penitentiary, property replenishment, and several other issues.

Tigran Khachikyan, promoting the process of introducing new criteria for assessing needs within penitentiaries, urged that any economic and technical initiatives from the facility be discussed in a strictly coordinated manner with the competent bodies to avoid the possibility of secondary issues being presented instead of primary ones.

Subsequently, during the tour accompanied by Vazgen Arakelyan, the deputy minister had private discussions with convicts serving their sentences in the semi-open zone, visited the quarantine area, kitchen, gym, library, medical unit, short-term and long-term visiting rooms—examining the resources and necessary needs available within the penitentiary.