Armenia’s justice system is facing a mounting crisis within its penitentiary institutions, with severe overcrowding and inadequate conditions creating dangerous circumstances for both detainees and staff. Despite official claims that no systemic problems exist, evidence points to deteriorating conditions that have led to increased disciplinary violations, self-harm incidents, and suicide attempts among the incarcerated population.
The situation has drawn attention to what critics describe as a fundamental imbalance in the justice system. While prisons remain filled with individuals who pose minimal threat to public safety, serious criminal activities including drug trafficking, robberies, and violent crimes continue unabated outside prison walls. This disparity raises questions about the effectiveness and priorities of the current judicial approach.
Recent parliamentary discussions have highlighted that the core issue extends beyond political prisoners to encompass a broader category of incarcerated individuals who represent no danger to society. The combination of overcrowded facilities and understaffed institutions has created an environment where proper supervision and rehabilitation have become increasingly challenging to maintain.
The deteriorating conditions within correctional facilities have prompted calls for comprehensive reform of both prison management and sentencing policies. As the situation continues to escalate, observers warn that without significant intervention, the humanitarian and security implications could have lasting consequences for the country’s justice system.
