Why Inmates in 'Vanadzor' Penitentiary Declared an Indefinite Hunger Strike

The Office of the Human Rights Defender of Armenia has received alerts regarding a group of individuals held in the 'Vanadzor' penitentiary of the Ministry of Justice of Armenia who have declared an indefinite hunger strike. In response, representatives of the Human Rights Defender conducted an unannounced visit to the 'Vanadzor' penitentiary on February 14, 2024, as per the Defender's instructions. They held private conversations with the hunger strikers and reviewed documentation regarding their health conditions.

The inmates have raised concerns about the lack of necessary supplies in their cells, the ventilation system, the absence of prescribed medications, the quality of drinking water, and other issues, which they claim have led to the hunger strike.

Based on the results of the conversations, discussions were also held with representatives of the penitentiary administration and the 'Vanadzor' subdivision of the Penitentiary Medical Center. The outcomes of the unannounced visit are being compiled, and relevant reports regarding the identified issues will be sent to the appropriate authorities.

Earlier, Nona Navikyan, head of the public relations department of the penitentiary service of the Ministry of Justice of Armenia, informed Auroranews that the operation of the 'Vanadzor' penitentiary is proceeding normally. Three convicted individuals have reported self-harm, of which evidence of self-harm has been recorded for two, while the third has refused to undergo a medical examination to confirm the self-harm.