‘The Thief in Law’ Transferred to Prison Hospital

According to ‘Pastinfo’ reports, Arsen Mkrtchyan, known as ‘Arsen Yerevantsi’ and recognized as a ‘Thief in Law’, has been transferred to the Prison Hospital.

It is worth recalling that since May 21, 2020, he has been held in the ‘Yerevan-Kentron’ penitentiary. Lawyers had raised alarms that he has serious health issues, suffering from several diseases, particularly a musculoskeletal pathology that prevents him from moving independently, requiring assistance from others. He also has open wounds on his body, necessitating daily sanitary, social, and medical care.

According to the defense team, three of his ailments are included in the list of severe illnesses that hinder the execution of punishment as per the government decree 825-N.

This week, doctors visited him and concluded that he requires inpatient treatment. The lawyers had appealed to the Human Rights Defender concerning his transfer to a civilian hospital. We have managed to confirm that ‘The Thief in Law’ was transferred from the penitentiary to the Prison Hospital yesterday.

It is notable that on May 22, the NSS announced that Arsen Mkrtchyan, recognized as a person of the highest rank in the criminal hierarchy, was taken to the investigative department of the NSS on May 21, 2020, on charges of creating and leading a group adhering to criminal subculture. Also involved was Armen Melkonyan, nicknamed ‘Basar’, suspected of participating in the activities or pursuing the goals of the group led by a person of high status in the criminal hierarchy.

Later, it became known that Arsen Mkrtchyan was formally charged under the same article and detention was chosen as a preventive measure.