Armenia’s Minister of Justice, Srbuhi Galyan, has stated that medical assistance was provided in a timely manner to Arsen Gevorgyan—a former mayoral candidate for the town of Stepanavan—who passed away while in the Nubarashen pre-trial detention center. According to the Minister, an ambulance arrived at the facility 16 minutes after the detainee’s condition deteriorated. The circumstances surrounding his death are currently under investigation.

Gevorgyan, who ran as a candidate for the opposition party "Strong Armenia," had been in custody since October 21 on charges of vote-buying. He maintained his innocence. The opposition figure died in the detention center on November 10, prompting questions from the opposition and human rights advocates regarding whether he had received timely medical care.

Speaking to reporters following a government meeting on November 12, Galyan explained that the sequence of events was captured by a surveillance camera in the detention center’s corridor. After a staff member was informed that the detainee was feeling unwell, a medical professional was summoned. Following an examination, a decision was made to call an ambulance.

"The ambulance arrived at the penitentiary facility within 16 minutes," Galyan stated.
The Minister clarified that, under current regulations, the expected arrival time for medical responders in an urban setting is 15 minutes, though this can extend to 20 minutes depending on the circumstances. She also noted that, according to Gevorgyan’s medical records, there was no history of ischemic heart disease. According to Galyan, he did not report any such health issues either in court or while in custody.

"We are dealing with an unfortunate incident. Naturally, a legal assessment will be provided both within the framework of criminal proceedings and based on the results of our own investigation," the minister stated.

According to her data, Gevorkyan’s death marks the fourth instance of a prisoner dying in Armenia’s penitentiary institutions since the beginning of 2026. A criminal case has been opened, and a forensic medical examination has been ordered; the final results have not yet been released.

Journalists also asked Galyan about the public accusations leveled against Gevorkyan prior to the court’s verdict, and whether psychological pressure might have affected his condition. The minister acknowledged that it is unacceptable to declare a person guilty prematurely.

"Until a court ruling has entered into legal force, it is inappropriate to speak of guilt," she emphasized.

At the same time, Galyan declined to assess any potential link between the opposition figure’s emotional state and his death, noting that she had no information regarding his psychological condition.

Responding to allegations of politically motivated arrests, the minister stated that "the ministry does not carry out arrests, file motions, or issue decisions regarding arrests. It merely ensures the enforcement of the chosen preventive measure."

She further noted that the law provides for alternatives to detention, such as house arrest and administrative supervision. According to her, incarceration should be used only in exceptional cases. Galyan welcomed the opposition’s attention to the circumstances surrounding Gevorkyan’s death, but urged them to show the same level of engagement when it comes to investigating other deaths that have occurred in places of detention.