Human Rights Defender's Office Visits Garik Galeyan

Representatives of the Human Rights Defender's Office conducted an unannounced visit to the "Vardashen" penitentiary facility of the Ministry of Justice on September 13. Individual discussions took place with persons deprived of their liberty, including Garik Galeyan, the father of Mikitar Galeyan, who fell during the 44-day war.

The state of their rights protection, necessary documents, and detention conditions were studied. The representatives of the Human Rights Defender also held discussions with the administration of the penitentiary facility.

The results of the unannounced visit will be summarized, and relevant letters will be sent to the competent authorities regarding the recorded issues.

It is recalled that Garik Galeyan has been arrested. His lawyer stated that Garik has been charged with drug possession. He noted that his client does not accept the charges and considers it a political persecution.

It was also reported that the home of Mikitar Galeyan’s parents, who died in the 44-day war, is being searched. Later, the lawyer reported that the search of Garik Galeyan's house, father of the fallen Mikitar Galeyan, has concluded. An illegally obtained flag of Artsakh, an emblem of the Republic of Armenia featuring Mount Ararat, an Armenian Apostolic cross, and a certificate from the Armenian Cause were discovered in little Mikitar’s cradle.