Human Rights Defender Representatives Meet with Hunger Striker Vahe Meloyan Again

The issue of ensuring the rights of Vahe Meloyan, who has been on a prolonged hunger strike in a correctional facility, continues to be in the spotlight of the Human Rights Defender. Following his declaration of a hunger strike on September 2, several visits have been made to Vahe Meloyan under the instruction of the Defender, to have a private conversation and assess his health condition at the "Armavir" and "Convicts Hospital" correctional facilities.

During the private conversation at the "Armavir" correctional facility, Vahe Meloyan stated that his hunger strike is a response to what he considers baseless charges filed against him in the context of a criminal case being examined by the general jurisdiction court of Ararat and Vayots Dzor regions. He was informed that due to legal restrictions, the Defender cannot intervene in the proceedings, and the Defender's other powers were also clarified to him.

Vahe Meloyan raised some concerns regarding the conditions of his detention. A letter has been sent to the Ministry of Justice demanding clarifications regarding these issues, as well as his health condition due to the long-term hunger strike. According to the provided explanations, issues related to his detention conditions have been addressed, and Vahe Meloyan consented to undergo an inpatient medical examination at the "Convicts Hospital" correctional facility.

Representatives of the Human Rights Defender have also visited the "Convicts Hospital" correctional facility. During the visit on December 6, Vahe Meloyan was in a bedridden state but was alert and answered questions clearly. He mentioned feeling physically weak but expressed no intention to end his hunger strike. During the visit on December 26, Vahe Meloyan was still bedridden, with clear consciousness (no signs of consciousness clouding noted), and answered questions distinctly. He complained of general weakness and acute pains in the abdominal area.

His medical records were examined, and his health condition was discussed with the attending physician. It was also established that laboratory and instrumental studies were organized due to his complaints, and he is under the supervision of medical personnel, which Vahe Meloyan also confirmed. The results of the latest visit will be summarized, and the Human Rights Defender's office will send an additional letter to the Ministry of Justice.