Ombudsman is concerned about suicides in Nubarashen and sends letter to Justice Minister

In a letter addressed to Armenia's Justice Minister Gevorg Danielyan Armenia's today Armenia's Human Rights Defender Armen Harutyunyan has conveyed his concerns over the suicides in Nubarashen penitentiary where such incidents, according to him, have become of frequent occurrence.

Three inmates have during 2010 died in Nubarashen penitentiary. Suren Avetisyan (April 3, 2010) and Varoujan Hovhannisyan (June 9, 2010) have committed suicide by hanging themselves. Another incident in this penitentiary occurred on July 16 when prisoner Aram Hacobyan died from an electricity attack.

"Guided by Article 12 of the 'Law about the Human Rights Defender' of the Republic of Armenia, please, give explanations over the causes of this current situation and take all the measures necessary to bring this current situation under control.

"Please, inform me about the results," reads the letter in part.