A team of lawyers has issued a statement concerning the death of 46-year-old Arsen Gevorgyan, nominated by Strong Armenia as a candidate for head of the Stepanavan community, alleging that doctors were allowed into the penitentiary institution “effectively after his death.”
“Arsen Gevorgyan had been subjected to political persecution since October 23. The fact that he was unlawfully placed in pretrial detention for two months, while the entire preliminary investigation was completed in approximately 15 days, proves that there was no need whatsoever to impose detention as a preventive measure,” the statement said.
The lawyers also noted that Gevorgyan was examined by a paramedic rather than a prison doctor, as confirmed in a statement by the Penitentiary Service.
According to the lawyers, Gevorgyan’s health had visibly deteriorated, but he was examined by a paramedic rather than a doctor from the penitentiary institution’s medical staff.
They further alleged that an ambulance was not called promptly and that additional delays occurred afterward.
“Arsen Gevorgyan was not provided with medical assistance by a doctor, nor was access to such care ensured. Doctors were allowed to enter the penitentiary institution effectively after Arsen Gevorgyan’s death,” the statement said.
The lawyers argued that these circumstances raised serious concerns about possible human rights violations and called for a thorough, independent and impartial investigation.
Criminal proceedings have been initiated in connection with Gevorgyan’s death.
According to information provided by the Penitentiary Service, Gevorgyan, born in 1980, had been held in pretrial detention at the Nubarashen penitentiary institution since October 21, 2026.
Early on November 10, a duty paramedic was summoned after his health deteriorated and administered first aid.
An ambulance was called at approximately 7:55 a.m., and its medical team confirmed Gevorgyan’s death at around 8:30 a.m.
