STATEMENT

On the Death of Citizen A. Hovhannisyan at the Nubarashen Mental Health Center

We, the undersigned non-governmental organizations, express our deep concern regarding the death of citizen A. Hovhannisyan at the Nubarashen Mental Health Center.

According to information published in the media, A. Hovhannisyan was arrested in connection with allegedly tearing down a campaign poster, within the framework of criminal proceedings initiated on charges of obstructing electoral campaigning. Subsequently, upon the instruction of an ambulance physician, he was transferred from the detention facility of the Artashat Police Department to the Nubarashen Mental Health Center under police escort. Hours later, A. Hovhannisyan reportedly committed suicide at the facility.

This incident once again exposes a number of grave systemic issues in the protection of fundamental human rights in Armenia.

This is yet another case of unlawful, arbitrary, and disproportionate use of criminal justice mechanisms driven by political expediency.

Under the legislation of the Republic of Armenia, the tearing or damaging of pre-election campaign posters constitutes an administrative offense pursuant to Article 40.11 of the Armenian Code of Administrative Offenses and is punishable by a fine.

Nevertheless, the Investigative Committee initiated criminal proceedings, within the framework of which A. Hovhannisyan was deprived of his liberty. This development raises serious questions regarding the legality and proportionality of the actions undertaken by law enforcement authorities.

This case further reflects a continuous and alarming pattern whereby restrictive measures involving deprivation of liberty are applied disproportionately and in a punitive manner by law enforcement bodies. Equally concerning remains the question of whether A. Hovhannisyan’s procedural safeguards were fully respected throughout the proceedings, including his right to legal counsel, as well as whether the legal grounds and procedural guarantees required for placement in a mental health institution were properly observed.

From the moment of his arrest, A. Hovhannisyan was in isolation under the direct control of state authorities. Hence, the state bore a positive obligation to protect his life and health, including through an adequate assessment of any risk of self-harm or suicide, the implementation of appropriate preventive measures, and the provision of supervision and care proportionate to his condition and vulnerability.

At the same time, we note with concern that this case is not an isolated incident. In previous years, alleged suicides occurring in places of detention have likewise failed to result in effective investigations or meaningful public accountability. Such failures undermine not only the clarification of the circumstances of individual cases and the accountability of responsible officials, but also the identification of systemic shortcomings and the development and implementation of effective suicide prevention mechanisms within custodial institutions.

In light of the above-mentioned, we call upon:

• The Prosecutor General’s Office and the Investigative Committee to conduct an independent, and effective investigation without delay into not only the circumstances surrounding A. Hovhannisyan’s alleged suicide, but also the legality of his deprivation of liberty and placement in a mental health institution, while ensuring the protection of the victim’s rights,
• The competent authorities to identify and hold accountable all officials responsible for violations of A. Hovhannisyan’s rights,
• The relevant state bodies to ensure public accountability regarding both the course and the outcome of the proceedings.

Protection of Rights without Borders NGO

New Culture of Justice NGO

“Helsinki Association” NGO

Community Mobilization and Support Center NGO

For Equal Rights NGO

Journalists for Human Rights NGO

Armenian Committee of the Helsinki Citizens’ Assembly

Pink Human Rights NGO

Yerevan Press Club

Media Initiatives Center

Public Journalism Club

Foundation for Democracy Development

MediaStep NGO