Wednesday, 1 June 2011
Prime Minister Visits Abovian Penitentiary Institution
On International Children’s Day, accompanied by Minister of Justice Hrair Tovmasyan, Prime Minister Tigran Sargsyan visited today “Abovian” penitentiary institution where 17 underage inmates are kept in custody.
After touring the institution and getting acquainted with the existing problems, the head of government dined with the inmates and their parents. The Prime Minister called on them to be law-abiding citizens of our country and refrain from committing crimes ahead.
Earlier the establishment had hosted essay contests involving 8 inmates, entitled “My Dream” and “My Future” respectively.
Tigran Sargsyan handed out letters of appreciation and souvenirs, including chessboards, soccer and basketball balls. The institution itself was presented with a computer.
Answering the Prime Minister’s questions, the inmates said enjoying satisfactory living conditions in the penitentiary establishment.
A school of arts and crafts is operational at the penitentiary establishment. Director Temic Khalatyan introduced the inmates’ handiworks which have participated in international competitions.
Tigran Sargsyan told journalists that regretfully some of the inmates are isolated from society: “An inclusion-conducive environment has to be created for them so that they could be engaged in rehabilitation-targeted full-fledged educational activities.”
The head of government said to be convinced that reform is needed in this field. “The buildings which host the establishment are in a state of decrepitude and need sizeable investments.”
In the words of the Prime Minister, there are many talented children among the inmates who can find a well-deserved place in different areas of activity after leaving the institution.
