THE PRISONER IS IN A DESPERATE STATE
July 13, 2010
Soghomon Kocharyan, who has been sentenced to life in prison and
has been on a hunger strike for over 50 days, is worn out and in a
desperate state, advocate Avetik Ishkhanyan told “A1+”.
Ishkhanyan visited “Nubarashen” penitentiary upon the prisoner’s
request.
Let us remind that on 2009 November 27, Kocharyan and his cellmate
Mher Yenokyan escaped the penitentiary and were caught on December 18.
By a June 7 court ruling, their sentencing was extended by 7 years.
Let us mention that Soghomon Kocharyan was sentenced to execution
for the murder he committed, but after the elimination of the death
sentencing, life in prison was replaced by Robert Kocharyan’s decree.
Avetik Ishkhanyan mentioned that Soghomon Kocharyan is on a hunger
strike for two reasons-he demands a revision of his sentencing as he
considers it rather brutal and a transfer to “Yerevan” penitentiary
based on his security.
According to the advocate, he has talked to the head of the
penitentiary in relation to the last demand and the latter has
guaranteed that Soghomon Kocharyan is safe and there can be no threat.
As far as the sentencing is concerned, “Soghomon committed murder
and doesn’t deny it, but whether life in prison is adequate in such
circumstances or not is another story.”
During a nearly half hour conversation with the detainee, Avetik
Ishkhanyan said he had tried to convince him to stop the hunger
strike. “Each person chooses his or her own path to take. We talked
about serious issues. Perhaps some emotions were stirred or perhaps
he has faith toward the future.”
According to Avetik Ishkhanyan, Soghomon Kocharyan is under a doctor’s
daily supervision.
Press speaker for the Head of Penitentiaries at the RA Ministry of
Justice Arsen Babayan told “A1+” that the doctors rate the striker’s
health status as normal. As far as Soghomon Kocharyan’s security
is concerned, according to Babayan, the regime employees ensure
his security.
Avetik Ishkhanyan met with Mher Yenokyan who is also sentenced to
life in prison and had a talk with him. Mher and Soghomon are now in
separate cells after their escape.
From: A. Papazian