Inmates start protest in prison
Twenty-six convicts are presently staging a protest action in the "Sevan" Penitentiary Institution. They have ascended the roof of the prison and demand early release.
By law, convicts can apply for early release if they have served most of the prison sentence.
"We protest against the Early Release Committee and not against the penitentiary institution. We want to meet the chairman of the committee to know on what grounds he rejected our applications for early release," say the protesters.
They state that they have served most of their sentence without any violation shouldering the main work in the penitentiary. They have been the most diligent inmates in prison but the Committee grants parole to lazy prisoners.
"We have families and children and we want to return home as quickly as possible. I have elderly parents who need my help and care. I have already served my sentence. What is the use of keeping me here," said a convict.
The convicts have informed MP Zaruhi Postanjyan and Ombudsman Armen Harutyunyan of the protest action.
"We are already handling the issue," Armen Harutyunyan told A1+.
Spokesperson for the Justice Ministry's Department of Penitentiaries Arsen Babayan promised to comment on the event later in the day.
The convicts say they will not stop the protest unless they are freed.
