THEY WERE RELAXED

A1+
04:47 pm | April 14, 2009

Politics

"My husband does not have psychological problems and is in normal
condition," told "A1+" today Ruzanna Badalyan, wife of political
prisoner Shant Harutyunyan.

Ruzanna finally had the chance to visit her husband at the "Psychiatric
Medical Center" CJSC Nubarashen clinic of the RA Health Ministry with
help from the RA Ombudsman’s Office. Shant Harutyunyan was transferred
to the psychiatric clinic on March 16.

"Shant was physically weak because he had not been outside for 24
days. But he was very calm. If they don’t provoke him, he will be
very calm. The conditions created at the penitentiary were stressful
for him. He is not psychologically ill from the provocations and
assaults as they are trying to explain for Shant’s case," told "A1+"
Mrs. Badalyan. Among other visitors at the clinic were advocate
Vardan Harutyunyan and member of the NA "Heritage" faction Larisa
Alaverdyan. "We relaxed after we saw that Shant was feeling well,"
said Larisa Alaverdyan.

As for the decision of Judge Mnatsakan Martirosyan with regards to
conducting a forensic medicine examination, Alaverdyan said that she
sees no violation, but the judge’s statement that Harutunyan needs
treatment on a regular basis is exceeding the limits.

"The judge has no right to make such a statement. How can he make
such a statement without conducting an examination?"

Alaverdyan informed that Shant Harutyunyan was pleased with the
treatment of the doctors. Advocate Vardan Harutyunyan confirmed that
Shant Harutyunyan is in normal condition. According to the advocate,
Shant Harutyunyan’s condition sharpened due to the conditions in
his cell.

"They should keep someone they suspect in normal conditions and the
hospital must not be a site for punishment."

In general, Vardan Harutyunyan considers Shant’s arrest as an "order"
that was completed.

"Arresting him for one speech and keeping him locked up for more than
a year and this medical examination are simply orders that are being
carried out."

Shant Harutyunyan’s relatives and advocates promised that they
would provide us with the results of the forensic examination today
or tomorrow.