US DEPARTMENT OF STATE: PRISON AND DETENTION CENTER CONDITIONS IN ARMENIA REMAIN POOR AND POSE A THREAT TO HEALTH

Arminfo
2007-03-07 15:06:00

Prison and detention center conditions in Armenia remained poor and
posed a threat to health, the US State Department’s report on Human
Rights Practices in Armenia for 2006 says.

According to the web-site of the US State Department, the document
says that Civil Society Monitoring Board (CSMB), an organization
established by government initiative involving prison monitoring by NGO
personnel, reported some improvements as authorities began to renovate
old prisons. However, problems remained: cells were overcrowded,
most did not have adequate facilities, prison authorities did not
provide most inmates with basic hygiene supplies, and food quality
remained extremely poor. The CSMB reported in 2005 that prisoners
were at high risk of contracting tuberculosis, and adolescents held
in juvenile facilities rarely received the schooling required by
law. The CSMB reported other chronic problems, including denial of
visitor privileges, medical neglect, and in the most extreme cases,
physical abuse.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress