Request Submitted Regarding Zaruhhi Postanjyan

The Correctional Service of the Republic of Armenia reports: On November 30, at approximately 1:50 PM, lawyer Zaruhhi Postanjyan visited the 'Armavir' correctional facility to meet with her client. According to established procedures, the facility's staff offered Ms. Postanjyan to surrender any prohibited items in her possession, particularly a mobile phone, a SIM card, and so on. Ms. Postanjyan surrendered her personal mobile phone and stated that she had no other prohibited items.

She was then escorted to the inspection room, where her handbag was screened using an X-ray machine. As a result of the inspection, an iPhone 7 mobile phone without a SIM card was discovered and taken by the staff. To avoid obstructing the meeting between the lawyer and the client, it was stipulated that the record concerning the discovered phone would be prepared only after the visit (the record is signed by the inspecting personnel and the individual being inspected; in case of refusal to sign, a corresponding note is made in the record). Ms. Postanjyan was also informed that after the completion of the administrative offense case (including the preparation of relevant records and a decision), the cell phone, which is the direct object of the administrative offense, would be returned to her.

However, she refused to participate in the drafting of the record, took back the mobile phone she surrendered upon entry, and exited the residential zone, where she began recording videos near the entrance of the residential area, violating security protocols, causing noise, and accusing correctional officers of stealing her phone, before leaving the facility.

During the recording, Ms. Postanjyan also pointed out the cabinets near the residential area entrance that are not in use and lack keys. It should be noted that there are locked cabinets immediately near the entrance of the facility for storing the items of individuals entering the facility.

After the incident, a correctional officer contacted Ms. Postanjyan twice by phone, inviting her to return to the facility to participate in the drafting of the record, after which the phone would be returned. However, Ms. Postanjyan again refused, stating that she would file a report with law enforcement authorities.

Based on the above, the 'Armavir' correctional facility has initiated proceedings regarding Zaruhhi Postanjyan under the first part of Article 186 of the RA Criminal Code, which pertains to the surrender of a prohibited item by a person detained in a correctional institution or the attempt to hand it over in any manner. Furthermore, a corresponding request has been submitted to the Armenian Bar Association to discuss her conduct in accordance with the rules of professional conduct for attorneys.