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CPT/Inf
(2004) 27
[PDF Format]
Follow-up response of the Armenian Government
to the report of the European Committee
for the Prevention of Torture and Inhuman
or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (CPT)
on its visit to Armenia
from 6 to 17 October 2002
The Armenian Government has requested the publication of the CPT's report on the visit to Armenia from 6 to 17 October 2002 (see CPT/Inf (2004) 25) and of its interim and follow-up responses. The follow-up response is set out in this document and the interim response in document CPT/Inf (2004) 26.
Strasbourg, 28 July 2004
FINAL RESPONSE
of the Government of the Republic of Armenia
relative to the report presented by
the European Committee for the Prevention of Torture
and Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (CPT)
after the visit to Armenia, from 6 to 17 October 2002
Preface
After acquisition of independence the Republic of Armenia has undertaken a number of political and organizational measures, with the view of integration to the international processes, which supported to the installation of a new social system and created the ground for its further development. In this process one of priority problem was the realization of legal reforms of the different branches of social life, structural adjustments, including rearrangement of the country’s prison system, police service thought the adoption of new penal and penitentiary legislations. The signed reforms gained the additional importance due to the membership of the Republic of Armenia in the Council of Europe.
The mentioned membership engaged the Republic of Armenia to ratify the European Convention for the prevention of torture and inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment, which came into legal force for the Republic of Armenia from 1 October 2002. According to the Convention the European Committee for the Prevention of Torture and Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (CPT) organized the visit to Armenia, in the period from 6 to 17 October 2002.
The establishments under the jurisdiction of the Police
of the Republic of Armenia
Taking into consideration that the facts indicated in the report were not concrete the presentation of complete answer was not possible.
Concerning the questions relevant to treatment of the stuff of Ministry of Internal Affairs, the adequate measures and activities are undertaken aimed to prevent the violation of procedure norms and ensuring the human rights and their prevention.
In order to provide the implementation of freedoms and rights of the prisoners also, in order to increase the responsibility of the stuff in case of the violation, the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Ministry of National Security adopted a statement in May, 1999, N 202 NG according to which the heads of all departments are called to accomplish the personal control over the delivery of the convicted persons, the registration of the cases, and supplying of delay provided by law, the reject of the case proceeding and the practice of applying of other legal measures.
According to the provision of above-mentioned decision the disciplinary exam is foreseen as well as the responsibility in case of the violation of legal norms.
We would be appreciated if the Committee presents the concrete facts concerning the issues touched in report to the Police.
In regard to the issues raised in paragraph 232 concerning the stuff training and qualification we inform that the special courses are organized for the stuff, during which the particular attention is posed to the legal norm study, to the international standards study and they every day apply conditions. In addition, there is a special course on human rights and freedoms within the training plan, foreseen for the police stuff.
Also, the issues relevant to improvement of conditions of military disciplinary units and provide of qualified food, which are the subject of particular regulation by Police authorities. For fulfillment of all initiated activities the strong financial needs are evident, and adequate measures in this direction are already undertaken.
Concerning the food provision of temporarily detention places we inform that these provisions are regulated by governmental statement on “Establishment of minimal rations for providing free food to the persons, imprisoned in the places of detention” 2003 May 15 N 587”
The establishments under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Justice
of the Republic of Armenia
The pretrial detention places, which were under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of National Security, were transformed to the “YEREVAN-CENTER” penitentiary institution, by governmental statement from 2002, November 28, Number 1874 N.
It is why the issues concerning this institution are considered in the Answer of the Ministry of Justice.
Introduction
The prison system of the Ministry of Justice of the Republic of Armenia represents a unity of bodies and establishments which have as an objective the stipulation of the order of implementation and serving of criminal penalties/punishments/sentences (therein after - penalty) and other measures of legal-criminal influence; provision of necessary conditions for reformation of convicted persons; protection of the rights and freedoms of the latter’s; as well as rehabilitation after serving of the penalty.
Till 2001 the penitentiary service of the Republic of Armenia was under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Internal Affairs. At the beginning it was represented as the section after what it was transformed to the department, (so-called Department of Detention Places). In the period of 1970-1980 it was renamed to the Correction Affairs Department, after to the Criminal-executive Department. Recently the penitentiary service of the Republic of Armenia has been transferred from the Ministry of Internal affairs to the Ministry of Justice and nowadays the Penitentiary system of the Republic of Armenia is composed of Criminal Executive Department of the Republic of Armenia and Reformatory institutions, which includes the complex of judicial, legal, social, economical establishments.
At the present the penitentiary service, according to the law of RA “On Penitentiary Service” consists of Criminal-executive Department and 15 criminal executive establishments, including:
Ø General security institutions, medium security institution, maximum-custody type institution, level-6 institution and prison: 6
Ø Detention houses: 2
Ø Correctional center (with medical character): 1
Ø Work farm: 1
Ø Detention houses: 4
There are some Criminal-executive institutions, which implement simultaneously several functions (e.g. “Goris”, “Abovyan” Criminal-executive institutions).
Other persons primarily aim to the reformation of convicted persons and to the prevention of the crimes the penitentiary service. The main difference from other field bodies is that the penitentiary service has multifunction structure, which manages the issues relevant to the correction of detainees, securing their life and health, issues connecting with their education rehabilitation.
The transfer of the penitentiary service to the jurisdiction of Ministry of Justice and its functioning as nearly independent, but unified and centralized body requests the review of the different services, the revision of the jurisdiction of various authorities in whole system, also by securing the workplaces for the former stuff. It is also foreseen that up to 2004 the regional sections also will function, as bodies of fulfillment of alternative measures in locale space (according to the law of RA “On Penitentiary Service”). The service had been absorbed to some changes, which were conditioned by necessity of improvement of the branch, also with the obligations of Republic of Armenia before the Council of Europe after its membership to the European community. The data of reforms is mainly directed to the disarming of the penitentiary system of Armenia and to the assuring of international standards.
Therefore, according to the governmental decision number 1015 from 2001 October 19, on ”Establishment of penitentiary service in the system of Ministry of justice” the criminal executive department with its whole content was transferred to the Ministry of Justice and was renamed as the penitentiary service of the Ministry of Justice of Republic of Armenia. In this regard within the system of Ministry of Justice the Department on structural reforms was created, which was renamed to the department of judicial reforms later on (the head of the department Nikolay Arustamyan - 3741-582215).
After the transfer of the country’s prison from the Ministry of Internal Affairs to the Ministry of Justice the penitentiary service of Armenia gained additional obligations, and for those qualified implementation there was a need of wide rearrangement reforms.
ring the visit of the penitentiary establishments, which are under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Justice, CPT raised some questions, in reply to which the correspondent activities are already envisaged. Hereinafter we will refer to the legislative enactment, which were already implemented, are in the process of realization, or planed to be done in the nearest future. It must be indicated that most of the problems are relevant to the financial issues, and nowadays it is the priority problem for the Republic of Armenia.
Related to the comments done in the report
1. Preliminary remarks
1. Concerning the 63 paragraph of the report
Up to now the external supervision of 4 criminal executive establishments is accomplished by the Ministry of Internal Affairs (Police of RA at the present). The Ministry of Justice has already undertaken the activities in order to transfer this establishment under its jurisdiction, for providing the unity of the components of the penitentiary service. The policy plan and timetable is elaborated to fulfill the mentioned provisions.
2. Concerning the paragraph 65 of the report
For more legible comprehension of the activities on the improvement of legislation regarding to the penitentiary service of Armenia, we also attach to the main report the timetable of penitentiary reforms of Republic of Armenia according to the RA President’s order from 2001, March 3.
By order of the Minister of Justice of RA the full staffs of the prisons have been readopted, on the account that each convict should be provided with an area not less than 4 square meters. The information concerning the recommendation of CPT to increase the living space per prisoner to at least 4m2 will be presented afterwards.
3. Concerning the paragraph 66 of the report
The existing socio-economic situation will by all means refer to the penitentiary establishments of the Republic. Nevertheless in private cases, when the financial recourses are not the priority for the reforms the local self - developments policy can be engaged.
2. Ill-treatment
4. Concerning the paragraph 67 of the report
CPT expressed the wish to receive the information on number of complains lodged concerning ill-treatment by prison officers and number of disciplinary and/or criminal proceedings initiated as a result of those complains, and the account of the outcome of the above-mentioned proceedings.
As you had mentioned in the report there is remarkable positive tendency concerning the relations between stuff and prisoners. The relations between them are based on the Principe of mutual respect and tolerance. Therefore, during 2001, 2002, 2003 there are recorded 17 cases of the violation of the established order concerning the prisoner-stuff relations, and as a result of the investigation 12 persons were subject of disciplinary measures and 5 persons were discharged. In the mentioned period the measures of legal-criminal influence were not applied.
5. Concerning the paragraph 68 of the report
The remark concerning the formal and distant nature of the Stuff-inmate relations at Erebuni and Gyumri prisons is correct and will be taken into consideration. The Ministry of Justice accepts the fact of the existence of such phenomena and has undertaken some measures for their liquidation.
In this regards, the following three executive decrees were proposed:
1. The improvement of the qualification of existing stuff, they’re training, simultaneously the assistance to not qualified personal to find alternative job.
2. The choice of new stuff, giving the priority to the persons who represent interpersonal communication skills.
3. The exam of the stuff's qualification, organized at Erebuni prison.
Even if the stuff- personal relations were in positive level now, the danger of their change for the worse cannot be ignored, so the Ministry of Justice envisaged the continuing intensive policy in this direction.
3. Conditions of detention.
6. Concerning the paragraphs 69-71 of the report
Republic of Armenia being a country on the development stage obviously has some financial difficulties, which could not find their reflection on the penitentiary service. In this regards the report says that the most of establishments were in poor state repair and decoration. It must be mentioned that in compliance with the report of European expert commission after their visit to the Republic of Armenia in 1997, Ministry of Justice engaged to the realization of some productive measures devising the proposed recommendation by three groups :
1. The recommendations, which can be implemented without financial support.
2. The recommendations, which can be implemented through internal reserves.
3. The recommendations, which can be implemented with strong financial support.
Taking into consideration the above mentioned, also basing on the principle of the classification by the priority of the problem, the Ministry of Justice undertakes a number of activities for the favorable decision of the existing problems. Furthermore after the enforcement of the new penal code (on 1 August 2003) lots of prisoners have been liberated, after the revision of the sentences by court according to provisions of new penal code. This circumstance have supported to reduce of the financial costs, and to provide the productive enforcement of the mentioned recommendations.
7. Concerning the paragraph 72 of the report
The windows, which had been frequently devoid of panels, were reconstructed in Nubarashen.
In addition, the cleanliness of the sanitary annexes of the cells is now under the daily special control, and positive results are already signed.
8. Concerning the paragraphs 74-75 of the report
For the improvement of the conditions on the ground floor of the main accommodation block, of the “quarantine section”, of a cell occupied by hunger striker and the accommodation for prisoners under psychiatric observation the repair works are already initiated in order to eliminate the poorest material conditions. The above-mentioned prisoners are now placed in upper floor till the end of repair works. The disciplinary units were also removed from the ground block to upper floor, providing them with comfortable contemporary conditions. There are only 5 cells placed on the ground block, which are used according to their destination. But taking into consideration that they are situated on the eastern side, and the natural light is accessible they are not regarded as basements, and the rest of the cells are used for domesticity purposes asutility room.
Also the renovation of sanitary units was accomplished, witha view of the territorial enlargement as well of the improvement of sufficient quality of the preliminary steps are envisaged.
9. Concerning the paragraph 78 of the report
Now there are productive measures planed to be fulfilled for the renovation and enlargement of the Gyumri prison, thanks to their implementation the normal level of accommodation will be provided, also by assuring the separate sanitary units, shower facilities, and space of 42 per person.
The conditions of cells recommended by CPT were supplied by the end of 2003, which have been provided by the renovation of new disciplinary and quarantine sections.
Concerning the heating facilities, instead of repair works of central heating will be implemented the local heating system in cells. Preparation works are being carried out on this issue.
In “Gyumri” prison ten cells have been completely renovated, the sanitary walls have been heightened up to two meters, lavatory pans and sinks have been put, the sanitary have been tiled.
From all the windows the jalousies have been removed and replaced with laths, to provide the cells with daylight.
The quarantine cell has been completely renovated, water supply was put on, the sanitary has been tiled and a lavatory pan and a sink have been placed, as well as the floor has been planked.
The problem connected with the bed accessories and necessaries of life of a prisoner brought at non-working time is solved.
For the physical training of prisoners and convicts sporting goods are placed in places of walk.
A room with its separate sanitary, bathroom and kitchen has been established for the short term and long term meetings.
A newly renovated cell has been set up for the patients with TB, the living area, light and sanitary conditions are corresponding to the hospital standards.
A newly renovated cell has been set up for the prisoners who are on hunger strike. These kinds of people are under the constant control of doctors.
In 2004 it’s foreseen to renovate the other cells and the penal isolation cell.
Each person in the institution is provided with 4 square meter living area.
10. Concerning the paragraphs 80 and 81 of the report
The newly brought prisoners are properly provided with bed accessories in quarantine cells. Moreover, the quarantine cells are completely renovated according to the standards for regular cells.
It is anticipated to carry out renovation of the institutions bathroom. Appropriate preliminary woks are carried out.
11. Concerning the paragraph 82 of the report
According to the decision N 413 from 2003 April 10, the daily quantity of the food for the prisoners is equivalent to the 3000 calories per persons, which is an acceptable level. The provision of food at the Gyumri prison has been already implemented according to that decision. Also, it must be mentioned the positive progress in compare with the previous years. Food assortment and indispensable calorific value have been successfully enlarged and provided.
12. Concerning the paragraph 83 of the report
The adequate measures for the enlargement of space up to 4m2 per person were already ensured in Gyumri, Nubarashen prisons. In this regards the special order for the Minister of Justice was signed, which elaborates the establishment of above-mentioned provision.
Taking into consideration the remarks done in the paragraphs 70-81 of the report, the reconstructive works have already been initiated, which are mentioned in the points 7–11.
The main part of the metal blinds fixed to cell-windows, which blocked the access of natural lights to the cells, were removed. In “Nubarashen” (except the 6th subsidiary building), “Gyumri” and “Goris” prisons, as well as “Abovyan” prison the jalousies are removed from the windows of the subsidiary buildings (were convicts are kept), so that the cells are provided with daylight. New operations in “Vanadzor” prison will be finished by the end of the first half of 2004.
In the Gyumri prison the renovation of the central heating system is not envisioned taking into consideration it’s inexpediently. The problem of in cell-toilets partitioning, in order to ensure adequate privacy was also solved. The problem of provision of the prisoners accommodated in the establishment’s ''quarantine” cell with mattresses and bed lines was solved (see point 10 of the answer).
Activities
13. Concerning the paragraphs 84 and 85 of the report
After the transfer of the penitentiary service from the Ministry of Internal Affairs to the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Justice the researches and concert measures were implemented in order to assure the social and physical assistance to the prisoners. Due to collaboration and assistance of the OSCE Armenian branch the working strategy in this direction was elaborated, as the result of that policy we’ll have a draft on «Statute on social and physiological activities”. The law should follow the mentioned act on penitentiary service. But the main provisions of the regulation are imposed already in the practice. The organization of the various activities for prisoners, the solving issues relative to the training and work is connected with the practical implementation of above-mentioned innovations. Particularly, it is envisaged to construct the following with the repair works of the Gyumri prison.
● The socio-physiological consultation rooms
● Working and recreation room
● The sport inventory
● To improvement of territory foreseen for outdoor walks
The statute on socio-physiological activities ensures also the organization of cultural, sportive, educational activities.
Now CED and prisons are elaborating a long-term program, in order to collaborate with foundation “Support to prisoner”, in order to ensure the prisoners’ employment. During the implementation of the program the prisons will be able to supply the system with some goods, bed accessories, foodstuffs, etc.
At the end of the year 2003 an instruction on implementation of social-psychological rehabilitation works among the convicted persons and prisoners entered into force. Measures are taken to complete the staff with qualified specialists, to create necessary conditions for work and to put into practice the mentioned services.
Having as an example the Gyumri prison, adequate researches and activities were also accomplished in other penitentiary establishments.
The measures aimed to fulfill the posts of the subordinate officers are attempted, also every day open air walk was ensured on legal level. In this regard the positive amendments were already indicated. The correspondent measures are implemented to provide the prisoners with physical exert opportunities during their outdoors walk. Persons, transferred to penal or cell type buildings, as well as convicts are given at least an hour’s walk.
Erebuni and Sevan penitentiary establishments
14. Concerning the paragraph 86-87 of the report.
Also having the purpose to improve the material situation of the mentioned establishments, by existing financial resources, other measures were also foreseen. The permanent control is realized in order to ensure an appropriate level of cleanliness of the establishment. And it was mentioned, the level of the cleanliness of the Erebuni prison as well at Sevan prison are now in acceptable level. According to the order of Minister of Justice on reformation of the reestablishment of the limits of the penitentiary service the structure of the Erebuni prison was reviewed.
Basing on the demand to provide the minimum living space of 42m perperson. The occupancy of the Erebuni prison was established within 391 persons.
The beds have been removed from the area of the clubhouse and the convicts kept there have been transferred to the two subsidiary buildings of the institution.
The penal isolation cell and the cell type buildings are brought into correspondence with the norms required, i.e. the unnecessary beds are removed, as well as the jalousies, in order to provide with daylight. One of the operating cells is given to the prisoners that go on hunger strike. The cell is renovated and matched to the existing medical requirements.
The bathroom, laundry and lavatory have been completely renovated.
The dormitory roofing is in the process.
Preliminary accounting and projecting are carried out to renovate and refurnish the institution in terms of time.
15. Concerning the paragraphs 88 – 90 of the report
The provision of the minimum living space per person at Sevan prison has been solved. (see point 12). Also a remarkable repair works have been completed, also the permanent control is carried out to keep the establishment on the proper level of cleanliness.
16. Concerning the paragraph 91 of the report
The preparatory works are engaged in order to provide equal conditions for the newly arrived prisoners. The better facilities will be implemented already by the end of the year.
17. Concerning the paragraph 92 of the report
At Sevan and Erebuni penitentiary establishments the repair works in a view to improve the sanitary facilities have been completed already.
18. Concerning the paragraph 93 of the report
At Sevan and Erebuni prison as well as at other criminal executive establishments, reference to the provision of the qualified food was signed. (see point 11)
19. Concerning the paragraph 94 of the report
● The problem of the overcrowding at the Erebuni and Sevan prisons is solved (see point 12)
● The continuing repair works are still going on at Sevan and Erebuni prisons.
● There is a special attention to the provision of an appropriate level of cleanliness of living space. In regards of above mentioned the correspondent sanitary measures were fulfilled. Also, there was the enlargement of the supervising medical activities in order to provide appropriate medical control by the newly established medical divisions.
● The issues concerning the renovation of shower facilities at Sevan prison were definitively solved after CPT's visit. Now the prisoners are allowed to take a shower once in 5-6 days.
Activities
20. Concerning the paragraphs 95-98 of the report
Тhe full program was elaborated for better organization of different kinds of activities for the prisoners. (see point 13). The correspondent activities were realized by the foundation called «Assistance to the prisoners» (was established according to the governmental decision, head of the board is the Minister of Justice). Thanks to the foundation efforts, two shops, named «prison art» are built in Yerevan, where will be presented the works prepared by the prisoners. The organizational issues are already completed and now these shops are on construction process, which are partly postponed due to financial reasons. They will be finished by the end of the year 2004.
In Sevan prison the authorities regulated the renovation of sport premises, (repair works are on final stage) and the sport equipment, and sport inventory is already purchased.
Afterwards according to the timetable the measures will be undertaken for the renovation of the clubroom of the establishment.
After the implementation of appropriate activity programs and providing with facilities clubroom will form social-physiological rehabilitation services. The club's remit includes the access to the appropriate literature, films, etc, which will support for the productive and interesting time spent.
The renovation works of canteen, bathroom and medical unit are completed.
The training ground is being renovated and will be finished by the end of May 2004.
Renovation has been carried out at No 3 dormitory and with the weather improvement these works will be continued.
Prisoners sentenced to death
21. Concerning the paragraph 99-100 of the report
According to the President’s order from 1 August 2003 the sentence of death penalty was changed into life imprisonment, by form of mercy (The point 17, article 55 RA Constitution). It supposes the fact that locating committee proceeding in the system of criminal executive service will locate the prisoners according to the regimes in equal conditions with the other convicted persons.
For the life-imprisoned persons the prison regime is foreseen and according to the Corrective-Labor Code, which is still in force, the prisoners will enjoy the rights ensured for the prisoners under this regime. A temporary order of the Minister of Justice was signed, which regulates the above-mentioned issues till the adoption of the Penitentiary code of RA.
22. Concerning the paragraphs 101-102 of the report
At Nubarashen criminal executive institution there will be a possibility to work within the individual program with each prisoner. Also, there will be applied the conditions for purposeful and effective time spare for prisoners. The Armenian authorities realize the particularities of prisoners this category, their physiological situation that is why they make efforts to increase the conditions o the detention.
23. Concerning the paragraph 103 of the report
At present the activities in order to review the working policy of security are taking place. In this light will be reviewed the current practice of routine handcuffing of life sentenced prisoners. The draft regulation of this domain has been elaborated.
4. Health care services
24. Concerning the paragraphs 104-105 or the report
The medical service of prisoners is accomplished through structural divisions of the criminal executive institutions, as well as at one specialized institution. The Ministry of Justice collaborates for a while with the Ministry of Health. That collaboration will find its legal regulation in the statute on ''medical service of the prisoners. This document was presented to the expertise of the Council of Europe. An expert meeting for reviewing of expert opinions was held in Yerevan, with participation of the experts of the Council of Europe. It is foreseen to present the elaborated draft to the expertise of the Council of Europe once again, for more detailed expertise.
During the elaboration of this document the recommendation of European Minister's Committee, N R (98) 7 were taken into consideration.
25. Concerning the paragraph 106-108 of the report
It is also foreseen to realize some amendments in order to fulfill the human recourses by providing each establishment at least with six doctors (1 head doctor, 1 doctor assistant, 4 general practitioners). Additional posts, taking into consideration the size of the inmate population at the establishment, will recruit this stuff. Till the implementation of those plans the duties will be scheduled, so person competent could always provide first aid to the prisoners, and someone from medical division should be present on prison premises, including at night and weekend time. Also, it should be said that all vacancies at Gyumri and Sevan prisons are filled according to the CPT's recommendation. Despite to the difficulties to fulfill the doctor’s posts in region the adequate measures are undertaken.
26. Concerning the paragraphs 109 –110 of the report
Now and never before the prisoners were involved to the distribution of medicines. They can only be engaged as sanitary workers in case of need and their desire, realizing only sanitary-hygienic functions, and do not have access to the medicines. They do not have the access not only to the medicines but also to the medical carts and other documentation. Anyway, the problem of the medical confidentiality should be review by all means under the light of statute on “Medical service of prisoners”
27. Concerning the paragraphs 112 and 113 of the report
As the psychology and psychiatry are different concepts in all penitentiary establishments there are the posts of psychologists. Now the steps are taken to recruit these posts. In «Hospital for prisoners» is reconstructing the division for the patients who need psychiatric treatment. After this works all the prisoners will be concentrated in this division, in order to receive qualified medical service. (Taking into consideration the lack of the psychiatric specialists). The researches are taking place at Nubarashen prison to review of situation of prisoners under the psychiatric observation, in collaboration with another psychiatric establishment situated in Nubarashen-Republic Psychiatric Hospital.
28. Concerning the paragraphs 112-113 of the report
In order that fill the deficiency of medicine and medical facilities caused by financial crisis the reasonable steps are taken for the involvement of humanitarian assistance and social enterprising, in the ground of what the positive progress is mentioned. For the achievement of that object continuing policy is permanently conducting, at the same time considering the fact that the desired result is not yet completed.
29. Concerning the paragraph 114 115 of the report
Being fully aware of the importance of medical exam (especially for the newly arrived prisoners) the special policy had been elaborated. Paying the special attention to the guarantee of medical confidentiality and to issues connected with personal medical files, which will be reviewed (including the issues mentioned in the report) legal document, which will regulate the legal relationship in this context. (see point 24)
30. Concerning the paragraphs 117- 125 of the report
Tuberculosis represents a major problem in the Armenian prison system. Notwithstanding the fact that this problem is hampered by poor material conditions and budgetary difficulties Armenian authorities seek for productive task solution, and for struggle against that disease. Some positive achievements should be mentioned, in particular, the fact that the new tuberculosis building started functioning in 2002 November. There are about 150 patients who pass their treatment, according to the DOTS project
Besides the Ministry of Justice has concluded a treaty with International Committee of Red Cross, and according to that treaty 5 cells in Nubarashen prison will be repaired refurnished in a view to stipulate the treatment and control of tuberculosis patients.
By the enforcement of indicated projects the most of the questions raised in the report will find their solution, and will promote to the implementation of the amendments, specially to the screening of the inmate population, regular supply of anti-tuberculosis medication and related materials, and appropriate distribution of necessary medication and monitoring of taking anti-tuberculosis medication through the enforcement of DOTS project.
Also through the realization of the mentioned projects the positive achievements are expected in better resolution of issues connected with materials conditions, which generally promote to the diagnosis by the help of modern equipment, decease treatment and medicine delivery, monitoring of the distribution and taking of a medication.
Because of implementation of aforesaid activities the remarkable achievements are awaited concerning the issues providing the material conditions of the patient’s treatment.
The problem connected to the natural light and good ventilation has been already solved and the problem of overcrowding expected to be solved in the nearest future. Also, the activities for the provision of prisoners with tuberculosis with an adequate diet are to be realized.
Up to 2000 the fights against tuberculosis within penitentiary service were initiated by the accord concluded between International Committee of Red Cross, Ministry of Justice, and the Ministry of Health and Ministry of Internal Affairs. It was the beginning of the collaboration between those institutions aimed to prevent that decease. In case of long-term policy in this direction we are expecting to fulfill the productive tuberculosis control. Also through the enforcement of the mentioned project the continuing training should be followed.
The issues relative to the provision of food for the prisoners with tuberculosis are almost completed by theoretical and practical meanings.
31. Concerning the paragraphs of 127-128 of the report
The issues relevant to the HIV +inmates were reflected in fore mentioned Statute on “Medical service of prisoners”, where another way of looking to the principles of keeping HIV-inmates are considered, specially put a stop to idle talk to the isolation of the HIV- prisoners. The training has been organized within this subject in collaboration with “Republic HIV Prevention center”.
32. Concerning the paragraphs 129 –130 of the report
The regulation of issues related to hunger strikes is also foreseen to be regulated by statute on “Medical service of the prisoners”.
“Hospital for prisoners”
33. Concerning the paragraphs 131, 132, 133 of the report
The hospital for prisoners is the specialized medical institution called to provide medical service and treatment for convicted persons. Despite to the financial crisis all the measures are made for the normal functioning of that institution. Particularly there are active and productive collaboration with international organizations and funds in this direction.
As it was indicated in the 11th paragraph of the report, the government decision from April 10 2003 establish the daily ration of food for prisoners, which ensures the sufficient quantity and quality of food for the convicted persons, at the rate no less then 3000 calories by day, and for ill prisoners at the rate no less then 3200. In spite of the financial lack thanks to the collaboration with the Ministry of Health the appropriate level of medicine is provided to the prisoners.
The intense activities are undertaken for the improvement of the conditions of the Hospital for the prisoners. Particularly, special project was elaborated, with strict timetable for repair works of the hospital. It is foreseen to complete at the end of the year 2004. Within the project all the division of the hospital was repaired, including the infectious disease department. Also, with the framework of these activities all the old windows were replaced with normal, contemporary windows, which provide natural light access, the toilets and washing facilities already have adequate conditions. Furthermore the concrete steps are being, with the object to supply central heating.
Thanks to undertaken activities the problem of overcrowding was solved. Particularly thanks to activating of the new building of tuberculosis division constructed with support of the International Committee of Red Cross. This building has 250 beds and presents qualified and sufficiently equipped treatment.
At the end of the repair works of the mentioned building the problem of overcrowding of the division for physiatrist patient was also solved, which will solve not only the problem of overcrowding but also the issues relative to the treatment conditions and material conditions. (see point 26).
The repair works proceeding in washing, shower and other sanitary facilities have been completed. The necrology, infectious and tuberculosis divisions are already completed and are accessible for the prisoners. The laundry room has started it’s operation, which thoroughly fulfilled the material conditions of the Hospital for prisoners.
34. Concerning the paragraphs 134-135 of the report
The issues regarding to the food provision of the «Hospital for prisoners» are regulated by the governmental decision N 413N from 10 of April 2003. According to that decision the quantity of daily average ration was established in quantity at least 3000 calories per person. It is the quantity of calories, which is an adequate quantity for the person. Realizing that the special medical diets providing is essential for the patients with various decease, the authorities undertake the adequate measure in order to ensure more varied food, and special diets. Moreover this problem will be legislatively reflected, and will be regulated by the Statute on «Medical service of prisoners». Also, other measure is initiated to provide more varied food to prisoners. Nevertheless there are also provided by food brought by their relatives.
The problem of renovation and technical assistance of the medical equipment at Hospital for prisoners is always under the principal concern of competent governmental bodies.
The positive results can be already signed. In particularly may be underlined the project of construction of the new therapeutic and surgery departments, which will be supplied by modern medical equipments. It will certainly promote to the diagnosis and treatment of the prisoners (for example the surgery room will be equipped with surgical table, as well ECG and roentgen new equipment, the dental clinic facilities will be renewed.) We already succeeded in finding two unities of medical supplies, which noticeably contributed to the treatment.
Also, thanks to the continuous collaboration with Ministry of Health the providing of «Hospital of Prisoners» with medical supplies and medicine is an object of particular policy. At present, this provision satisfies the needs of the prisoners without breaks nevertheless this a task which needs the continuing strategy of development, therefore the collaboration with international organization and other funds is taking place. There is also inmate collaboration with some European governments; especially concerning the issues related to medical facilities. The evaluation grade of that collaboration is difficult to attest. Although the works are still proceeding
35. Concerning the paragraph 136 of the report
As regard health care stuff it must be said that the adequate steps have been already ensured. Particularly the 5 of 7 vacant doctors posts were already completed with qualified specialist and 2 other posts are to be completed in the nearest future. The nursing stuff is fulfilled but not completely. But still the existing number is sufficient for minimal provision of medical service. The mentioned developments also contributed to the presence of satisfactorily number of medical personal, including doctors, health-care workers, and doctor-assistant during all the week, week- ends included. The problem of fulfillment with medical stuff will be an object of revision in nearest future. (see point 25)
36. Concerning the paragraph 137 of the report
In regard to the outside secure of the «Hospital for prisoners», the concrete activities were already undertaken in order to transfer this jurisdiction from the Ministry of Internal Affairs to the Ministry of Justice. (Which is already done in some penitentiary institutions?) As we have already indicated, it is the result of transfer of penitentiary service from the jurisdiction of Ministry of Internal Affairs to the jurisdiction of Ministry of Justice. The process of transfer demands some time, that’s why it is a stage-by-stage operation. So as we have already existing stuff mentioned in report will be replaced by personal employed by the Ministry of Justice.
37. Concerning the paragraph 138 of the report
More detailed information of medical supplies and medicine is presented in points 24 and 29 of the Reply.
38. Concerning the paragraph 139 of the report
The issues relative to the keeping of psychiatric patients are also the object of the Statute on «Medical service of prisoners» Anyway, the positive measures were initiated already. Particularly the build of psychiatric room will be completed soon and will serve as treatment point for psychiatric patients. The issues relevant to the material conditions of physic iatric department were completed (see point 33), which will promote to the treatments of patients. Within the repair works taking place at the established rooms for physical restrained will be renovated. Due the works the access to natural light will be ensured, as well as heating. The physical restrained for prisoners are applied rare at the Hospital for prisoners so and in very short period of time, about 15-20 minutes. And their application for a period of day is not permitted and not practiced, as you have justly noted in your report it does not have any therapeutic justification (paragraph 139 of the report). This aspect will be also regulated by the Regulation on Medical Service of prisoners.
39. Concerning the paragraph 140 of the report
The positive results with regard to the patients suffering from tuberculosis can be already recorded. Particularly the new tuberculosis division was inculcated from the November 2002, which ensures 250 places and was built thanks to contribution of the International Committee of Red Cross. It is supplies with modern and qualified equipment and the DOTS project is taking place there. Also, in collaboration with International Committee Red Cross the medical stuff passed the special training in order to implement the best quality of medical service. (see point 30). After the enforcement of that establishment the DOTS project was implemented as the unique methodology. Now within the framework of collaboration of the Ministry of Justice with the International Committee of Red Cross the tuberculosis division consisted of 5 cells is under construction, according to the accord concluded in August of this year. Also within DOTS project it is foreseen the establishment of special Committee which will control the treatment of patients their after they will be free.
40. Concerning the paragraph 141 of the report.
The isolation of HIV-patients from other prisoners because of their decease is forbidden. See more detailed information in point 31.
41. Concerning the paragraph 142 of the report
The lack of purposeful activities at the Hospital for prisoners was mostly dictated by vagueness of activities of social and psychological policy. Now, the policy is not just clarified but also the special regulating act is elaborated (see point 13).
The subsidiary buildings of the TB, therapeutic and psychiatric departments have been renovated, the house holding conditions have been improved.
The wards’ windows sizes have been changed providing with the necessary light.
The short-term and long-term meeting rooms have been renovated completely.
The laundry has been renovated and put in action. New washing and drying machines have been placed.
Now the surgical department is being renovated. The works will be finished at the end of the year 2004. During 2004 the construction of short-term and long-term meeting rooms for TB patients will also be carried out.
In hospital each convict is provided with 5 square meters living area.
5. Other issues of relevance to the CPT's mandate
Staff
42. Concerning the paragraphs 144 of the report
After the transfer of penitentiary service to the Ministry of Justice the problem of staff training and their qualification is the subject of particular interest. During the 2003 year due to the collaboration and assistance of OSCE Armenian office and to Open Social Institute (Soros Foundation) there was organized the training for the prison staff by the Juridical Institute of the Ministry of Justice, which was aimed to the raising of the level of staff's skill in this domain. As the result of extendibility of this collaboration, the more profound training is organized, in a way of training for the security stuff and training for medical, sociological stuffs.
The legal acts on training and qualification of the prison staff will follow the acceptance of Law on Penitentiary service, which was adopted by the Armenian National Assembly, as these are the issues, which are directly reflected in this Law. The correspondent legal acts will be presented, which are now in elaboration process.
Contact with outside world
43. Concerning the paragraphs 146,147,149 of the report
According to the article 15 of law on the «Treatment of Arrestees and Detainees» prisoners are entitled to visits during the criminal process, which was prohibited before. The authorities of penitentiary establishments informed all convicted persons about their right to have visitors, also in order to provide this information to prisoners the informational papers are attached in all establishments. It testifies the fact that comparing to the same period of time of the last year the number of admissible visit is trebled.
Within the framework of repair works at Gyumri prison (see point 13) it is foreseen to build the rooms of longtime visit and short time visits, which will be supplied by correspondent furniture and will contribute to the amelioration of the visiting practice. They will also help to the managing of open visits. At Nubarashen Prison it is also planned to separate some space and furniture for the visits. After implementation of those activities the general level and effectiveness in this domain will increase. For this purpose the drafting and counting activities are now envisaged.
According to the article 18 of the «Internal statute on treatment of convicted persons in penitentiary establishments of the Ministry of Justice of Republic of Armenia», (which will be put into force as inter-institutional legal act) the access to a telephone is established by the timetable fixed by the head of the place of detention. The conversation is accomplished under the control. The prisoners according to the pricelist do the payment of the telephone calls. Almost in each prison, including Nubarashen the telephone cart system was implemented, correspondent telephone cabins were installed. The carts are accessible in prison stalls.
This provision will be reflected also in the draft of «Internal Statute of penitentiary establishment». It could be also ratified and put into force after the acceptance of the penitentiary code of the Republic of Armenia, which was elaborated and examined by international experts, and now, is presented to the Government.
44. Concerning the paragraph 150 of the report.
The confidentiality of correspondence is the constitutional demand. According to the legislation the prisoners can send and receive unlimited amount of correspondence. Such correspondence is not a subject to censorship. According to existing rules they must be received by stuff in closed form, regulated, mentioning the prisoners name, last name (so in case of need there will be the possibility to proof whatever the letter was received or not.)
The received parcel can be the subject only of external control, in order to prevent the transfer of unauthorized subjects. The censorship can be accomplished only by court decision. (see the article 17 of law on.
The correspondence for prisoners of Sevan prison are received at post office of Hrazdan town, whereupon they are deviled to the prison by the post officers (there is no position of postman) and then hand in to the person whom it had been addressed. The receiving information from post office, the delivery from the office can take 3-4 days, but as soon as it reaches the prison it is given to the prisoner. According to existing rules the prisoners have to buy themselves the envelopes,to seal up the envelope and give to the administration for the delivery. As most of the prisoners do not have possibility to buy envelopes they give the letter without envelope to the administration.
Discipline and segregation
45. Concerning the paragraphs 151, 152 of the report.
The prison director imposes the disciplinary sanctions; he doesn’t take part in the elaboration and acceptance process of internal rules. These rules are elaborated by the correspondent departments of the Ministry of Justice, and signed by the Minister of Justice of Republic of Armenia. It is to say that the bodies, which elaborate and accept these rules and the bodies, which directly implement them, are not the same. In regard with penitentiary code, this also regulates these issues. It is the legal act, which has force of the law and accepted by National Assembly of RA.
According to the expositing rule and law each prisoner has a rights to appeal to a higher authorities (the central body of the penitentiary service, i.e. to the head of the penitentiary department of the Ministry of Justice) against any sanction imposed, as well as to the general prosecutor office, particularly to the department which exercise control over the enforcement of punishment and other disciplinary measures. The law on “Treatment of Arrestees and Detainees” regulates these provisions.
The same rules will be envisages concerning the accused persons.
46. Concerning the paragraphs 153, 154 of the report
According to the existing rules the prisoners may face to various disciplinary sanctions for the infraction of prison discipline. In accordance with rules, the fact of commitment of infraction by prisoner is presented to the head of establishment in written form, when then the reasons of infraction are trying to be clarified, as well as the prisoner's attitude and motivation, afterwards the head of the establishments takes a decision on imposing of disciplinary measures. According to law it is the head of the establishment who is authorizes to take such decision, but it can be also a collective decision. It must also be underlined that no prisoners has a right to participate and do not take part in a process concerning another prisoner in any circumstances, specially taking into consideration that this provision is not foreseen anywhere, realizing the danger of its negative reflection on relations between the prisoners. The prisoner can only express his opinion concerning the case, being the member of self-initializing group or its head.
The Penitentiary Department and Directorate of Public Prosecutions supervise the measures of punishments, in order to provide the accordance between the infractions and imposed disciplinary sanctions. In particularly relative to the decision of establishment’s head’s, which segregate the prisoner for more, then two month in accommodation which resembles a SHIZO cell. In order to prevent the extreme measures the control is accomplished. These circumstances promote to the well-grounded and adequate decision, as every implication of such measure must be justified and legal.
According to new legislation in particular to new Penal code and correspondent regulations the SHIZO cell are excluded. In order to provide the universality of disciplinary measures there will be only one type of disciplinary cell.
47. Concerning the paragraph 156 of the report
The repair works of penitentiary establishments includes the accordance of the disciplinary cells with acceptable standards. Particularly, the disciplinary cells of Nubarashen cell were displaced, and other repaired cells are used, which are no more on ground floor.
Some improvement activities in disciplinary cells were accomplished at Yuri prison.
Each of which has 4.52 of space foreseen for one person. Intense activities are engaged to eliminate defects of some cells, especially for providing the acceptable level of light, fresh air. Most of the cells at Sevan prison are in good state, they had good lighting and good ventilation the cells No 3, and 4,5 are not used and will not be used till their repairing.
48. Concerning the paragraph 157 of the report
All the prisoners at all penitentiary establishments of Armenia, including the prisoners facing disciplinary charges have daily at least one hour of outdoor exercise.
Complains and inspection procedures
49. Concerning the paragraph 159 of the report
The confidential basis of proposals, applications, complains is ensured in all penitentiary establishments. Each proposal, application, complain is recorded before its delivery, so it will serve as a proof that it was accepted by administration, afterwards sent to the addressed person.
The content of complain is not mentioned in the register book, but the person whom it was addressed, the date and the title. So there is no any violation of confidentiality in this case.
50. Concerning the paragraph 160 of the report
The article 47 of Law on “Treatment of Arrestees and Detainees” establishes the system of social supervising. The same article presumes the existence of institutional legal act, thus the statement of Minister of Justice have been signed. According to that act the group of public observers have been established, which includes the representatives of various funds (NGO), organizations practicing human rights protection and other representatives of civil organizations. They accomplish periodical visits to the places of detention, discuss with prisoners, and become acquainted with their problems. The implementation of the same institution for correctional criminal executive institutions (colonies) will be envisaged in the penitentiary Code of Republic of Armenia.
The establishments under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Health
of the Republic of Armenia
Basing on the CPT‘s recommendation relative to the “Nubarashen Republic Psychiatric Hospital” of the Ministry of Health the adequate activities were undertaken according to the information presented head of Psychiatric Hospital. The tight and intensified control is realizing regarding to the compulsory treatment; the electricity was repaired in forensic-medical division. Davison, also natural light was ensured. The departments of strict and intensified supervision and compulsory medical treatment of ‘’Nubarashen Republic Mental Hospital’’ Close Joint-Stock Corporation have recently been reformed to special kinds of compulsory medical treatment and general supervision mental departments for the organization of compulsory treatment of patients according to the requirements of Criminal Code of the Republic of Armenia. For organizing the work of the reformed departments at proper level have been created necessary conditions.
The roof of the department of compulsory medical treatment and strict and intensified supervision was repaired; the total reconstruction works of the stationary forensic-medical division (including the removal of the laths from windows) were completed.
The Department of In-Patient Forensic Psychiatric Expertise has been thoroughly repaired, have been changed the bars on the windows.
All the medical staff of the Hospital passed the training by Hospital internal fees in the Health Care National institute of the Ministry of Health during the 2003. During the years 2004- 2005 will be organized particularized lessons for the nurses working in psychiatric institutions. During the 2004 physiotherapist, social workers, nurses and sanitary workers, will fulfill the number of personal as CPT recommends. For the reforms of psychiatric services, by the Decree of Prime Minister of the Republic of Armenia has been made the optimization of mental institutions of Yerevan city. The President of the Republic of Armenia adopted the mentioned Decree. The optimization process will allow making drastic changes of mental institutions and as a result to upgrade the quality and effectiveness as well as the accessibility of medical care and services provided.The hospital provided all the prisoners with personal cupboards. By the Governmental Decree of the Republic of Armenia the forensic-mental commission of experts besides the specialists of the Ministry of Health, Republic of Armenia also consists of specialists from the Ministry of Justice and Police, Republic of Armenia. Also, all the patients pass exam aimed to discover the tuberculosis patients and prevent the development. The contacts with the outside world are not limited at psychiatric divisions. In case of need the prisoners have also access to telephone. The regulation of visit and contact with the outside world of stationary psychiatric establishments is established by RA legislation.
The establishments under the jurisdiction of Ministry of Defense of RA
The following activities were initiating in regard to the recommendations and remarks done by the European committee for the prevention of torture and inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment after their visit to the military detention places of the Ministry of Defense. Some remarks and recommendations are dictated by the need of amendments the internal military regulations. The correspondent draft is elaborated, which will be presented to the attention of the Government of Republic of Armenia, during the 2003. Basing on the recommendation done by the Committee, the resolution of above-mentioned issues will be taken into consideration. Ensuring that all the detainees are offered a mattress and blankets at night (it is established garrison and guard regulation (appendix 14, article 16), which is accepted by the National Assembly) the draft of law on amendments to that legal act is now elaborating.
Concerning other issues:
● 4 mentioned in the report and other places for military detention are provided by the system of natural and artificial light and duly ventilation
● in the military detention places is kept the suggestion on 6 m for one soldier. In particular, in the detention places where the conditions of the buildings give the opportunity to provide mentioned territory, the suggestion is carrying out without restrictions. In other cases (providing the territory for soldiers who violate the order), is regulated by the number of detained persons and norms for established territory.
Concerning other issues
All the toilets of detention places in garrisons are isolated and hided. Hot bathing is provided to detained soldiers at least once each week.
● At least on hour of out door exercise are foreseen for detainees and arrestees. According to the article 16 of the Law.
● All documentation, including protocols and decision are accounted and kept.
● The recommendations titled as “Information demands” (the provide of data on accusation, the questioning of witnesses, the appeal of the sanction) are mainly relative to the competence of the body executing legal proceedings (particularly to the Military prosecutor office). Concerning the applying of complains, applications, proposals these are the issues, which are regulated by internal statutes and rules in order to avoid the disadvantages.