Inquiry was sent to Criminal Department of the Ministry of Justice of Armenia, with the aim to find out how many applications were received by the department during the last 6 months from NGOs and media representatives, who wanted to visit the penitentiaries, and how many of these applications were approved or rejected.

Based on the information provided by the department, 15 applications were received from media representatives from Dec. 15, 2010 to June 15, 2011, out of which 8 were rejected, 7 applications were approved. 13 applications were received from NGOs during the same period, out of which 8 were approved, 5 applications were rejected.

The Department also informed that there were different bases for rejections, however, the department cannot publicize them.

Source: www.hra.am