At news conference in Yerevan, the head of Helsinki Citizens Assembly Vanadzor Office, civil rights activist Artur Sakunts cited overcrowding as one of the main issues at Armenia's penal institutions.The press secretary of Armenian Justice Ministry's Penal Department Arsen Babayan, in turn, noted that the number of prisoners exceeds the number planned by 800 persons. Specifically, the number of convicted at Nubarashen prison exceeds the number planned by 200. As Mr. Babayan noted, the amnesty announced will improve the situation to some extent.

According to data provided by Mr. Babayan, over 5000 prisoners are held in Armenian prisons at present.