If Manvel Grigoryan Remained in Prison, It Would Be Considered Torture: Human Rights Defender

Manvel Grigoryan was in Nairi Medical Center before being transferred to prison. After this, we visited Manvel Grigoryan, examined his medical documents, and concluded that the prison does not have conditions to guarantee his health status. This was stated by the Human Rights Defender Arman Tatoyan during a conversation with reporters, recalling a civil doctor's conclusion that Grigoryan's life is in danger.

“We immediately stated that Grigoryan should be transferred to a civilian hospital. Hours after my statement, I heard the announcement from the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) that Grigoryan should be transferred to Nairi Medical Center. The ECHR literally said what I announced a few hours earlier. This is because we operate on the same court principles. Regardless of the crime a person is accused of, if the prison does not have the necessary conditions, it should not be done. That was why the ECHR decided to intervene under Article 39 regarding Armenia, which it does only in exceptional cases,” said Tatoyan, noting that this is yet another proof that the Human Rights Defender's positions coincide with the decisions of the ECHR.

Tatoyan noted that he could not provide an assessment regarding torture, stating, “If Manvel Grigoryan continued to remain in prison, yes, it would be torture. Not only torture but inhuman treatment; if he continued to stay in prison, that is an international rule.”