New penitentiary opens in Armenia to serve special inmates (video, photos)
16:19 * 29.11.14
A new correctional facility conforming to European standards was
officially launched in Armenia’s western region of Armavir on Saturday
as part of the Government’s efforts to reduce overcrowding in prisons.
The penitentiary institution will house inmates convicted for
particularly grave crimes.
The official opening ceremony was attended by President Serzh
Sargsyan, Minister of Justice Hovhannes Manukyan and US Ambassador to
Armenia John Heffern.
“This is the first ever penitentiary facility built in independent
Armenia. By exploiting this institution, we will try to ensure a
maximum protection of inmates’ rights and improvement of their living
standards, bringing them in compliance with European standards,”
Minister Manukyan said, noting that the penitentiary has spacious
cells designed for four inmates.
He added that the institution also received approval by European
partners. “We must naturally consider the opinion of our society’s
representatives too, and those organizations have to see with their
own eyes that the facility conforms to international standards,” Mr
Manukyan said.
Around 1,200 convicts serving time in closed and semi-closed
correctional facilities are expected to continue their sentence at the
Armavir penitentiary.
The project has received considerable support by the US Embassy which
supplied the institution with computer and office equipment and
security protection tools, as well organized trainings for the
personnel.
Considering the modern building’s construction the easy part of the
job, Ambassador Heffern stressed the importance of the right methods
of working with people. Admitting that their collaboration with the
Police, courts and the Ministry of Justice revealed the need of
reforms, Mr Heffern said they think that there are appropriate human
resources capable of meeting the requirements.
Children of two inmates approached the president at the ceremony to
hand over souvenirs. Different handcraft articles and souvenirs
prepared by the inmates were showcased for visitors.
The penitentiary’s staff now includes 201 employees. The project was
initiated as part of judiciary reforms.
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/2014/11/30/new-penitentiary-opens-in-armenia-to-serve-special-inmates/
