The Helsinki Association for Human Rights today presented its 2010 Annual Report on the human rights
situation in the Republic of Armenia.
The report was presented in two halves. The first volume of the report deals with freedom of speech
and mass media, human rights activists, peaceful assemblies, prohibition of torture and ill treatment and
freedom of religion and conscientious objection.
The second volume contained the results of monitoring activities in mental hospitals, trials and penitentiary
institutions in the Republic of Armenia.
Expert of the Helsinki association Arsen Babayan said that the condition in the penitentiary institutions is extremely insanitary. The condition is a little satisfactory in the penitentiary institution of Artik, while the worst is the situation in ‘Nubarashen’ .
He also noted that from 2010 to February 9, 2011, 38 people died in penitentiary institutions: 32 died of illness, 1 – in an accident, 5- commited suicide.
