New penitentiary opens in Armenia to serve special inmatesA new correctional facility conforming to European standards was officially launched in Armavir on Saturday as part of the Government’s efforts to reform the corrections system and reduce overcrowding in prisons. The official opening ceremony was attended by President Serzh Sargsyan, Minister of Justice Hovhannes Manukyan, U.S. Ambassador to Armenia John Heffern and official delegation from WI Corrections Department (WIDOC). Considering the modern building’s construction the easy part of the job, Ambassador Heffern stressed the importance of the right methods of working with people. The project has received support by the U.S. Embassy INL Program with computers, radios and security protection tools, as well trainings for the personnel organized in partnership with WIDOC.
