Human Rights Defender Representatives Visit Gagik Khachatryan: Certain Issues in the Process of Resolution

A visit has been conducted to the penitentiary institution concerning the guarantees of Gagik Khachatryan's rights, following the instruction of the Human Rights Defender, with the aim of meeting with Gagik Khachatryan and familiarizing with the situation regarding the protection of his rights.

“During the visit, a private conversation took place with him, focusing on the state of his rights protection, including issues related to medical assistance and care, as well as the conditions of his detention. The content of the private conversation is confidential and is not subject to publication. Meanwhile, the issues raised during the private conversation have already been addressed during discussions with the competent authorities, and some of them are in the process of being resolved.

The Human Rights Defender emphasizes that if the state applies detention as a measure against a person with disabilities, it must ensure conditions of deprivation of liberty that correspond to his specific needs. In this regard, it is the state's obligation to ensure the health protection of persons deprived of liberty, including medical assistance, psychological and psychotherapeutic support, as well as the organization of care when necessary, and the right to receive food of adequate nutritional value and other rights.

The Human Rights Defender has also addressed the issue of proper care for persons deprived of liberty with special needs in various decisions regarding violations of human rights and freedoms, noting that the state is obligated to ensure continuous care for these individuals by specially trained professionals.

The Human Rights Defender also stresses the importance of guaranteeing uninterrupted access to legal assistance in places of deprivation of liberty. The situation regarding the addressed issues is continuously monitored and will continue to be monitored by the Human Rights Defender’s office.

The Defender highlights that competent authorities must have the necessary tools to conduct proper, objective, and comprehensive examinations in any criminal proceeding, including the mentioned case, while ensuring the full safeguarding of the person's rights during this period. The study of issues related to the protection of Gagik Khachatryan's rights continues at the Human Rights Defender's office. Current information subject to publication will be presented subsequently,” states the message distributed by the Human Rights Defender’s office.