Operations of 'Kosh' and 'Hrazdan' Penal Institutions to Cease

The newspaper 'Zhoghovurd' reports that the activities of the 'Kosh' and 'Hrazdan' penal institutions under the Ministry of Justice of the Republic of Armenia will be halted. Accordingly, by January 1, the placement of convicted individuals serving their sentences will be ensured in other penal institutions according to their level of isolation, as well as the transfer of detained persons to other penal facilities.

The justification states that the 'Hrazdan' prison has problematic detention conditions because it is located just a few meters away from neighboring residential buildings, which facilitates the smuggling of prohibited items. Additionally, both institutions are underpopulated, yet substantial funds from the state budget are allocated for their maintenance. This step is being taken as part of an optimization process.

The full article can be read in the 'Zhoghovurd' newspaper, issue dated 28 October 2021.