Brutal Beatings, Inhumane Conditions: The Situation in Nubarashen Prison

A group of public observers conducting social oversight in the penitentiary institutions and bodies of the Republic of Armenia has published an urgent report concerning their visit to Nubarashen Prison. According to the order No. 227N issued by the Minister of Justice of the Republic of Armenia on May 11, 2022, the report details events that took place on April 3, 2025, inside the prison.

The group's members met with detainees and those who declared hunger strikes, toured the cells of the 5th building where special operations had been conducted, and spoke with the head of the facility. At the time of the visit to cell 81, two inmates were present, while a third had been moved to another prison on April 3, 2025. The inmates reported that prison staff had entered their cell for unknown reasons, followed by a team of about 30-40 special forces personnel. Upon entering, several special forces members allegedly dragged two inmates down, resulting in injuries including bruises.

After that, according to the inmates, a search was conducted which resulted in significant damage to most of their belongings due to the actions of the special forces. They informed the group that about a week prior, inmates from various cells began singing patriotic songs and songs in foreign languages during their yard time. The administration demanded they refrain from singing foreign songs, which the inmates complied with.

In cell 80, there were also two inmates present, while a third had declared a hunger strike and was in the hunger strikers' cell. The inmates reported hearing noises from the neighboring cell, suggesting that violence was being inflicted. They attempted to understand what was happening by making noise and lightly banging on the doors. However, more than ten special forces members burst into the cell, forced them to the ground, and beat them, resulting in injuries.

The inmates asserted they had not burned anything in the cell, calling the reports false. Most items in the cell were in broken condition, which, they claimed, resulted from the actions of the special forces. The beating was so brutal that one staff member reportedly intervened to prevent further violence by shielding an inmate with their own body.

One inmate, V.H., declared a hunger strike on April 3, 2025, in protest. It should be noted that the inmates in cell 80 claimed they did not belong to any criminal subculture. They were ordinary workers, and furthermore, they had wooden items in their cell with which they crafted wooden objects, all of which were also broken and destroyed by the special forces, according to their statements.

The group members also visited and spoke with other hunger strikers. Five individuals had declared a hunger strike, two of whom, A.M. and N.H., demanded the transfer of inmate H.S. to another cell. H.S. had been transferred to Nubarashen from Armavir Prison. Initially placed in another cell, he was later moved to the second cell of the 6th building out of necessity. The two hunger striking inmates stated they could not stay in the same cell due to H.S.'s behavior, which was confirmed by the prison administration.

Inmate N.H. reported that some time ago, in protest, he had sewn his mouth shut and received a promise from the administration that he would be transferred to another cell, which did not happen. Now, he felt compelled to swallow a needle and declare a hunger strike.

The group members also discussed the issues with the prison's administration. The latter confirmed from the outset that force had been used appropriately and stated that no prohibited items were found during the searches.

The group documented other issues: All inmates reported dissatisfaction with the quality of food. The group also held meetings with inmates regarding access to medical care, for which formal complaints would be addressed to the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Armenia.

Additionally, the group noted the absence of the group's hotline number in the section of the prison where telephone booths were located. This issue has also been present in other prisons, which the group mentioned in their documents and requested that all facilities ensure this information is available.

Concerns were raised regarding ventilation issues, inhumane conditions, cells that do not meet standards, and belongings in the cells. Of particular concern was the condition of the cell designated for hunger strikers and the corridor leading to that cell, as the prison's electrical wires were in poor condition and did not meet fire safety regulations. In the hunger strikers’ designated cell, a wall obstructed natural ventilation, the beds were old and broken, there were no proper bedding, and the cell was generally in a deplorable state, unrepaired.

In light of the above circumstances, we propose that information be provided regarding the following: - What was the situation that necessitated the involvement of personnel from the Correctional Service's special unit? How many personnel from the special unit were involved? What actions did they undertake and for what purpose? - Were searches conducted? If so, for what purpose and what prohibited items were found? - Has a service investigation been initiated? Were any burned items or traces found in cell 80? - What kind of medical assistance did injured individuals receive? What injuries were inflicted on individuals as a result of special actions, and has this been properly recorded by the facility? When was V.H.’s self-harm recorded? What led to D.M. being transferred to another prison? Additionally, we request that the issue of transferring Hovhannes Selimyan from the second cell of the 6th building to another cell be discussed.

The cell for those on hunger strike should be repaired and/or moved to another cell, ensuring its ventilation, the entry of natural light, and the presence of appropriate belongings in the cell. Ensure that the hotline number of the group is made available in all prisons. - Discuss the issue of closing Nubarashen Prison.