‘We Witnessed a Very Difficult Scene in Recent Days’: Nikol Pashinyan

At the start of the government session, the Acting Prime Minister referred to the incident of dead bodies being stored in polyethylene bags on the floor of the morgue. ‘In recent days, we witnessed a very difficult scene when the notorious footage from the Abovyan forensic medical center was released, and the fundamental question that needs an answer is whether this reflects the state's attitude towards the fallen soldiers. In order to find the answer to this question, I would first like Anahit Avanesyan to present what has been done in the sector since 2018.’

The Acting Minister of Health responded, ‘Since 2018, a nationwide forensic network program has been developed and implemented in accordance with the necessary standards. The central morgue in Yerevan has been completely renovated, and the refrigerators have been equipped with new laboratory equipment. In 2020, the Morgue in Metsamor was thoroughly renovated and a new refrigeration block was built, with the second construction in progress. In 2020, the Abovyan branch was also renovated, cassette refrigerators were installed, and now an additional section is being constructed. In 2020, a refrigeration block was installed in Goris as well. In 2021, the Martuni branch is being reconstructed and equipped with refrigerators. A reconstruction plan for the Sevan branch has been designed and is currently underway.’

When asked why we have this scene as a result of these changes, Pashinyan stated, ‘Yes, the Ministry of Health can set the standards, but the change in people and their mindset is a key issue. All individuals involved in the incident have been dismissed from their positions.’