Overcrowding is one of main issues at Armenian prisons June 2, 2011 - 17:02 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - At news conference in Yerevan, the head of Helsinki Citizens Assembly Vanadzor Office, civil rights activist Artur Sakunts cited overcrowding as one of the main issues at Armenia's penal institutions.The press secretary of Armenian Justice Ministry's Penal Department Arsen Babayan, in turn, noted that the number of prisoners exceeds the number planned by 800 persons. Specifically, the number of convicted at Nubarashen prison exceeds the number planned by 200. As Mr. Babayan noted, the amnesty announced will improve the situation to some extent. According to data provided by Mr. Babayan, over 5000 prisoners are held in Armenian prisons at present. Top stories The number of state universities will be reduced from 23 to 8 by 2030, Minister of Education, Science, Culture and Sport Zhanna Andreasyan has said. From September 21 to November 11, a total of 2,820 Russians registered at a place of residence in Armenia, the police has said. The situation on the contact line between Karabakh and Azerbaijan was relatively stable overnight, the Defense Army says. Defense Minister Suren Papikyan has visited the southern Armenian province of Syunik, the Defense Ministry reported on March 18. Partner news | Pasadena to host Armenian Genocide commemoration event The Pasadena Armenian Coalition will host its community-wide Armenian Genocide Commemorative Event. Russia confirms start of withdrawal of peacekeepers from Karabakh The Kremlin has confirmed reports about the start of the withdrawal of Russian peacekeeping forces in Karabakh. France recalls its ambassador to Azerbaijan France on April 16 said it had recalled for consultations the French ambassador to Azerbaijan. Protesters rally as Georgia debates 'foreign agent' bill Georgian critics label the bill "the Russian law", comparing it to legislation used by the Kremlin to crack down on dissent. |