ArmenPress
Aug 12 2004

GROUP OF PUBLIC OBSERVERS TO VISIT PRISONS

YEREVAN, AUGUST 12, ARMENPRESS: A group of 11 public observers
will continue their visits to Armenian Justice Ministry prisons, a
group member Temik Khalapian , who is the chairman of Trtu public
organization, told Armenpress saying that they have already visited
Nubarashen, Center, Abovian prisons. During the monitoring, the
observers have examined sizes of cells, medical services, quality of
food, etc. According to him, the observers from time to time receive
calls from prisoners. Khalapian said that in the near future they
will also make night visits.
Membership to the observer’s group is decided by the 2/3 vote of
the group. A member is expected tp at least once in a year visit a
prison and come up with an annual and regular reports. The group was
established in May. Its members do not belong to any political party.
They will function for three years and will also engage in protection
of rights and freedoms of prisoners.