In Armavir Prison, Inmate Sutures Lips and Nails Feet to Wooden Bed Frame

Representatives of the Human Rights Defender conducted an unannounced visit to the Armavir Prison to ensure the rights of individuals who declared hunger strikes. During the visit, the representatives held private conversations with the inmates, including Tigran Badalyan, who has been on hunger strike and water strike since August 25.

At the time of the visit, Badalyan's lips were sutured, and on September 23, he inflicted further self-harm by nailing his feet to the wooden part of the bed. It was revealed that he has also refused medical assistance and services since September 13.

During the conversation, Badalyan stated that his resorting to extreme measures was due to unfounded charges presented against him in an ongoing criminal case.

In this context, the powers of the Defender were clarified, including the prohibition on interfering in judicial proceedings, and health documents were examined.

Today, additional information was provided to the Defender’s office, indicating that Badalyan was transferred to a civilian hospital in the morning for necessary medical assistance due to the incident of nailing his feet.

The representatives also had discussions with two other individuals deprived of liberty who were on hunger strike during the visit, and their health documents were examined.

The results of the visit will be summarized, and necessary measures will be taken regarding the issues raised within the framework of the Human Rights Defender’s jurisdiction.