Employee of Vardenis Psychiatric Hospital Exploited a Patient for 16 Years

The supervisor of Vardenis neurological home-internat, Beghruhi Khloyan, has found herself in the defendant's chair after working at the institution for many years. He has been charged with exploiting one of the patients suffering from a mental disorder between 2002 and 2018.

During the investigation, it was revealed that Khloyan opened a grocery store within the premises of the hospital, where she employed the sick woman without pay, taking advantage of her condition, for five days a week without interruption.

The investigation into this criminal act, uncovered by law enforcement in Gegharkunik Province, was completed in December 2020. Meanwhile, the trial in the regional court began in January 2021. However, five months have passed, and the judicial process remains stalled.

Justice has struggled to address the case due to continuous delays. According to official statements regarding the trial, hearings have been postponed because witnesses have failed to appear in court. Most of the witnesses in the case are Khloyan's colleagues, employees of the Vardenis neurological home-internat.

During the last court session on May 3, the court was forced to decide on detaining witnesses. The next hearing is set for tomorrow, May 19, at 14:00.