Armenia ends family visit bans for prisoners

PanARMENIAN.Net - Armenia's National Assembly has approved, in the second and final reading, amendments to the Penitentiary Code abolishing the use of bans on visits with close relatives as a disciplinary sanction for convicted prisoners.

Deputy Justice Minister Gevorg Kocharyan said during the parliamentary debate that restrictions on family visits had previously been imposed on inmates who violated prison regulations. However, in line with international standards, depriving prisoners of contact with close relatives is considered an inhumane measure, prompting the government to abandon the practice, Sputnik Armenia reports.

Parliament also adopted, in the second and final reading, amendments to the Code of Administrative Offenses.

The changes introduce tougher penalties for bringing prohibited items into penitentiary facilities.

The restrictions cover mobile phones and other electronic devices, alcoholic beverages and alcohol-containing substances, cash and valuables. Liability will now apply not only to transferring such items to inmates but also to bringing them onto prison premises. Previously, offenders could argue that the prohibited items were intended for personal use if they had not yet been handed over.

The amendments raise administrative fines from 100,000-300,000 drams to 200,000-500,000 drams. A repeated violation within one year will carry a fine of 300,000-600,000 drams.

In all cases, prohibited items discovered on prison premises will be confiscated without the right of return to their owner.