Detained Armenian student moved to another prison amid health concerns

The Armenian authorities have transferred 18-year-old student David Minasyan from Armavir Penitentiary to Abovyan Penitentiary following his arrest in connection with a Palm Sunday incident at St. Anna Church involving Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan.

Minasyan’s lawyer, Lusine Martirosyan, told Panorama.am that the move does not address her client’s urgent medical needs. “This is just an illusion of ensuring rights. David’s right to life is at risk. He should be taken to a hospital, not another prison,” she said.

The lawyer visited Minasyan overnight and was informed of his transfer on Friday morning. She added that despite appeals for a guarantee from the education minister, no response has been received.

The lawyer argued that Minasyan’s illness is among those officially recognized as grounds for release from detention, suggesting that government-issued guarantees would not alter his situation. “We will pursue all legal steps,” she said, criticizing the lack of action from officials.