Water in Armavir Penitentiary Meets Standards, Ministry of Justice Says

The Ministry of Justice of Armenia has denied allegations regarding the drinking water quality at the Armavir Penitentiary, stating that laboratory research confirms it meets standards. "Certain individuals and media outlets have circulated information claiming that the drinking water at the Armavir penitentiary does not comply with sanitary norms and regulations, leading to the spread of illness among incarcerated individuals. In light of this information, the Human Rights Defender initiated an administrative procedure at the Health and Labor Inspection Body to verify the compliance of the drinking water with sanitary norms and regulations set for the Armavir penitentiary," read the statement from the Ministry.

Experts from the Inspection Body conducted an inspection at the Armavir penitentiary on August 13, 2024. During the inspection, it was determined that the facility's drinking water supply system is newly constructed, with no reported incidents or failures, and the facility is provided with 24-hour water supply. Furthermore, water samples were collected from six points of the drinking water supply system, which underwent laboratory research to assess drinking water quality. According to the expert conclusion, the sampled drinking water meets the requirements established by sanitary regulations and norms. Consequently, the requirements set forth by the Minister of Health regarding sanitary norms and regulations have not been violated, leading to the termination of the administrative procedure due to the absence of an administrative offense," the ministry's statement noted.