Observation group: Armenian Justice Ministry works more transparently

Armenian Justice Ministry have begun to work more transparently, with significant changes being observed in its activities since the second half of 2014, Ruben Sargsyan, the chairman of the observation group that exercises public control in penal institutions, said during a press conference today.

“Justice Ministry started to work more transparently and it became accountable,” he said, noting that problems related to parole and medical services in prisons are now voiced in penal institutions.

According to observer Hasmik Harutyunyan, proposals were submitted to Justice Ministry, but an independent commission rejects most applications for parole so the number of such applications has declined.

Another participant of the press conference, Nare Mesropyan, spoke about such issues as the lack of medical equipment in penal institutions and the need to retrain doctors.