Eight people have died in Armenian penitentiaries in the first quarter of 2025, with half of the cases resulting from suicide. The most recent death occurred on March 17 in the Artik Correctional Facility. In comparison, 2024 saw 12 deaths in prisons, all officially classified as natural causes, with ten occurring in civilian hospitals, according to the Penitentiary Service.

Speaking at a discussion titled “Deaths and Suicides in Correctional Facilities,” Tsoghik Aleksanyan, head of the Social, Psychological, and Legal Work Department of the Penitentiary Service, emphasized the need for thorough investigations by relevant authorities into these suicides, Panorama.am reported.

She noted that it is essential to understand the multilayered circumstances behind each case. “It is not appropriate to assume or suggest reasons for the suicides. Only the investigative body, as authorized by law, can comment on the final causes once confirmed,” Aleksanyan said.

Zara Hovhannisyan, a member of the prison oversight group, highlighted issues such as restricted access to closed institutions, insufficient social work, and a lack of support mechanisms. “When someone is in crisis, clear social support is critical,” she stated.

Hovhannisyan also pointed out flaws in the prison system, particularly the shortage of psychologists and the discomfort inmates feel in seeking psychological help. She added that the presence of a criminal subculture discourages prisoners from seeking help, potentially leading to self-harm and suicide.

Regarding healthcare services, she mentioned not only problems with medical provision but also delays in accessing treatment.

Naira Babayan, a representative of the Ministry of Health’s “Penitentiary Medical Center” state institution, said most deaths are due to sudden cardiovascular complications. She also highlighted cases where delays in court proceedings contributed to the deaths of individuals with chronic illnesses.

“There are individuals with chronic conditions who meet the criteria listed in Government Decision No. 825, which outlines diseases that prevent incarceration. Although interdepartmental commissions issued relevant conclusions, these people died due to delays in court hearings,” she said.

Hovhannisyan believes the rise in prison deaths signals the urgent need for reforms. She stressed the importance of swift and targeted actions to improve healthcare and psychosocial services within the penitentiary system.

“The fact that eight people died in just three months is unprecedented and a wake-up call to reevaluate our psychosocial approaches in correctional facilities,” she said.

Given that the current number of detainees exceeds that of convicted inmates, Hovhannisyan urged the government to develop a clear strategy to address these complex challenges effectively.