New penitentiary opens in Armenia to serve special inmates (video, photos)

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.