Two new buildings at "Abovyan" Penitentiary Institution that meet international standards — Grigor Minasyan, EU Ambassador and Ombudsman participate in the opening ceremony of the reconstructed buildings

Minister of Justice Grigor Minasyan, Head of the EU Delegation to Armenia Vassilis Maragos and Human Rights Defender Anahit Manasyan attended the opening ceremony of the two new reconstructed buildings at "Abovyan" Penitentiary Institution.

Minister Grigor Minasyan emphasised that, as a result of the large-scale construction work launched at "Abovyan" Penitentiary Institution, a fully renovated penitentiary institution meeting international standards will be established.

As a result of the completed activities, the women's section, which features separate cells for pregnant women and mothers with children under three years old, as well as the training centre equipped with a gym, library, classrooms, a conference room and arts and crafts education facilities, have been fully renovated.

Construction of two more buildings is currently underway at "Abovyan" Penitentiary Institution — the isolation ward and the administrative section, and the buildings are scheduled to be ready in 2024.

The last stage of construction works is scheduled to be completed in 2025; as a result, the entire premises of the Penitentiary Institution will be renovated. The construction works will include the building for juveniles, the reception hall for citizens, delivery acceptance point, rooms for long and short visits, rooms for investigation and advocacy operations, as well as an on-duty station.

The Minister of Justice expressed confidence that, as a result of the reforms initiated by the Government, the penitentiary system is improving significantly, and he anticipates the support of colleagues as well.

During the event, Minister of Justice Grigor Minasyan, Head of the EU Delegation to Armenia Vassilis Maragos and Human Rights Defender Anahit Manasyan toured the Penitentiary Institution and became familiar with the conditions for keeping persons deprived of liberty.