Dozens of suicide cases recorded in Armenian prisons, justice minister says

Armenia’s Justice Minister Srbuhi Galyan has addressed growing public concern over reported deaths in the country’s prisons, confirming that several cases of suicide have been recorded this year alongside deaths linked to health problems.

Galyan said the causes of death in correctional facilities varied from case to case, Caliber.Az reports via Armenian media.

“There are instances of suicide and deaths associated with health issues. We are working in several areas,” she said.

“Our primary goal is to prevent suicide and self-harm. In the near future, specially equipped cells will be introduced, featuring soft furnishings and fewer opportunities for fatal actions. These cells will also be under camera surveillance.”

She added that the initiative is based on international best practice. The Ministry of Justice had requested information from European counterparts, who indicated that such measures were currently considered among the most effective solutions.

Regarding deaths related to health conditions, the minister said there is a need to reconsider the government’s list of illnesses deemed incompatible with imprisonment. The Justice Ministry is working with the Ministry of Health on the issue.

Galyan rejected suggestions of a widespread crisis, saying: “Situations differ, and there is no need to create the impression of mass suicides. This is not the case.”

According to media reports, 22 deaths have been recorded in Armenian correctional facilities so far this year. The most recent incident occurred in late November.

By Aghakazim Guliyev