The Number of Phones Discovered in Prisons Has Increased: Srbuhi Galyan

Vahe Hovhannisyan, a representative of the Human Rights Defender's office in Armenia, believes that studies should be conducted regarding the possession of mobile phones in penitentiary institutions. “This measure was included in the strategy for the protection of human rights. It was intended to conduct relevant studies to understand under what regimes and circumstances mobile phones can be anticipated,” he said.

In response to a statement by the Prime Minister months ago that “many crimes in Armenia are organized directly from penitentiary institutions using communication means,” Deputy Minister of Justice Srbuhi Galyan reacted. “There are no mentions regarding the legalization of mobile phone usage or the definition of lawful conditions for their use in the strategy for the penitentiary and probation sectors. Permission to use phones is not specified within the framework of this strategy. Of course, it is an acceptable option to discuss the issue of allowing the use of mobile phones with limited capabilities and for a limited period,” Galyan added.

She further stated that at any time, as a result of corresponding operational work, prohibited items, including phones, can be discovered in prisons. “The number of phones discovered has increased, the possibility of smuggling phones into prisons has been restricted, and it has become more difficult, but I am not saying that it has disappeared. All prison heads are vigilant and follow this issue closely. Currently, we have rooms in prisons that provide Skype access, which inmates can use to communicate with the outside. However, practice shows that the number of users today and in the past is not that high, as they might have prohibited items with them,” Galyan said.