Charges Filed Against Masis Mayor, Deputy, and 9 Other Individuals

The investigation by the Investigative Committee of Armenia into the incidents of violence against a group of citizens holding peaceful gatherings and marches in Yerevan and various regions of Armenia in April 2018 has concluded. Charges have been filed against 11 individuals.

According to the press service of the Investigative Committee, a comprehensive, complete, and objective investigation has determined the circumstances and motives of the incidents.

According to the factual data obtained during the pre-trial proceedings, a group of citizens, aiming to obstruct the course of the peaceful gatherings and marches organized in Yerevan and the regions in April 2018, formed groups and exhibited deliberate disrespectful behavior, using hooligan motives to verbally assault participants of the gatherings.

Based on the evidence obtained, charges have been filed against 11 individuals.

Masis Mayor David Hambartsumyan has been charged under Articles 225(2) and 258(4) of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Armenia.

Charges have also been filed against Deputy Mayor Karen Ohanyan, as well as residents of Masis, S. Sahakyan born in 1982, A. Hakobyan, A. Khnjyan, A. Mamulyan, and G. Hambartsumyan under Article 225(2) of the Criminal Code.

Charges against M. Poghossian and H. Hakobyan have been filed under Article 258(3)(1) of the Criminal Code.

G. Hambartsumyan faces charges under Article 258(3)(1) and Article 258(4) of the Criminal Code.

The investigation has concluded, and the criminal case has been forwarded to the prosecutor overseeing the legality of the inquiry with an accusatory conclusion.