Ombudsman Initiates Discussion Procedure Following Death of Inmate

In connection with the death of inmate Karen Tsaghikyan at the Penitentiary Hospital, the Human Rights Defender has initiated a discussion procedure on his own initiative and addressed a preliminary letter to the Ministry of Justice of the Republic of Armenia.

A citizen called the Human Rights Defender's hotline on January 7, 2020, around 14:50, reporting that his brother, Karen Tsaghikyan, held at the Penitentiary Hospital, was in serious health condition, having suffered a heart attack, and was not receiving medical assistance in the penitentiary institution. According to the applicant, Tsaghikyan had a disease incompatible with confinement.

Immediately after receiving the alarm, a competent representative of the Human Rights Defender's office contacted the Penitentiary Hospital. Clarifications were received that an emergency medical team had been summoned for Tsaghikyan on January 6, 2020, and an electrocardiogram was performed on-site. According to the representative of the Penitentiary Hospital, the emergency medical team reported that Tsaghikyan did not have heart-related issues, and his deteriorating condition was associated with muscle pain. The provided information indicated that Tsaghikyan was under medical supervision, and if necessary, the penitentiary institution would summon the emergency medical service team again. This information was communicated to Karen Tsaghikyan's brother, who also received advice.

On the same day, around 22:00, Tsaghikyan's brother called the Human Rights Defender's hotline again, informing that he had died. The applicant requested to follow up on the circumstances of his brother's death.

On January 8, the office of the Human Rights Defender received clarifications from the Penitentiary Hospital that measures were already being taken to ascertain the causes of Tsaghikyan’s death. In connection with the death of inmate Karen Tsaghikyan, the Human Rights Defender has initiated a discussion procedure on his own initiative and addressed a preliminary letter to the Ministry of Justice.

Considering the incident of an inmate's death in penitentiary establishments, the Human Rights Defender deems it necessary to document that systematic studies should be conducted regarding deaths in places of detention to identify their causes and outline solutions. Such work has not been carried out for years, which is also stated in the Human Rights Defender's reports. The measures taken by the competent state bodies to prevent such cases and to implement necessary legal and practical procedures in accordance with international standards remain insufficient.

There is a need to complete the reforms in the field of medical assistance and care within the penitentiary system. It is crucial that individuals held in places of detention have access to adequate medical assistance and care services, under conditions equivalent to those provided in civilian medical institutions. Proper working conditions and guarantees are also necessary for medical staff.