Convicts Wait for Months for Medical Assistance: Garnik Danielyan

“I have been visiting penitentiary institutions for a considerable time to familiarize myself with the conditions in which detainees and arrested individuals are held. The implementation of adequate medical care remains a significant challenge. Our compatriots in confinement are often forced to wait for months, even in cases of severe health issues. Convicts frequently do not receive the necessary medications,” wrote Garnik Danielyan, a member of the National Assembly from the 'Armenia' faction, on his Facebook page.

“There is a lack of highly qualified medical personnel in the penitentiaries. The issue of qualified staff is explained by the fact that they do not wish to work in penitentiary institutions for not-so-high salaries. Thus, even if some institutions have acquired the latest equipment, there are no corresponding specialists available to conduct examinations and treatments on-site. The improper provision of medical assistance often leads to cases of suicide and self-harm.”

“The lack of basic living conditions is also concerning. Ventilation is not carried out in prison cells, there is inadequate furnishing, and convicts are deprived of opportunities for more frequent bathing. When they refuse to wear entirely black clothing provided to them, they should not be taken to disciplinary cells. This is a serious problem, as we have a regulatory act that contradicts the law, and moreover, the law itself contains problematic provisions that, for example, mandate wearing the specified clothing during court proceedings or when being transferred to a medical facility. This undermines human dignity and, in the case of court proceedings, places the individual at a disadvantage compared to other participants in the trial.”

“I presented my suggestions to the relevant authorities months ago regarding all these issues. Unfortunately, the wheel has not moved, and instead, we have horrifying statistics indicating a significant increase in deaths and suicides in penal institutions. Our compatriots in confinement should not be subjected to indifference. I will remain committed to ensuring that all these issues receive proper attention and that dignified conditions for the treatment of convicts are ensured,” Danielyan wrote.