JUSTICE MINISTER SAYS SITUATION IN PENITENTIARIES SHOULD BE CHANGED
Tert.am
07.06.11
The situation in Armenia’s detention facilities should be changed and
measures should be taken to facilitate the integration of prisoners
into the society after their release, the minister of justice has said.
Speaking at a discussion organized by Civilitas Foundation on Tuesday,
Hrayr Tovmasyan said that prisoners having spent some three-four years
in prisons are facing difficulties in integrating into the society
amid problems with their families and eventually find themselves back
to prisons.
“Today, we are producing also criminals,” said Tovmasyan. “I know that
a minister must not say such things, but I am saying … I think that
the philosophy of penitentiaries should be changed”.
A recent general amnesty in Armenia saw the release of more than 300
prisoners, among them also prominent journalist Nikol Pashinyan, as
well as other opposition activists sentenced over the post-election
unrest in 2008.
Hrayr Tovmasyan further said he wants to find a systemic solution to
the problem, opting against criticizing his predecessors.
“I want to understand the problems and find solutions to them, to
create such a system that any minister cannot change,” explained he.
Tovmasyan went on to say that he does not have any ready-made solutions
and is in quest of them. The solution, however, should be systemic,
he added.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress
Disclaimer: This article was contributed and translated into English by Emil Lazarian. While we strive for quality, the views and accuracy of the content remain the responsibility of the contributor. Please verify all facts independently before reposting or citing.
Direct link to this article: https://www.armenianclub.com/2011/06/09/justice-minister-says-situation-in-penitentiaries-should-be-changed/
