Were Police Officers Involved in Beating or Attempting to Plant Drugs? Osipyan Orders Investigation

Information has circulated on social media alleging that Edgar Tsatinyan, a resident of Yerevan, was brutally beaten at the Nor Nork division of the police and then swallowed a bag of drugs that the police supposedly attempted to 'plant' on him. He was subsequently taken to 'Saint Grigor Lusavorich' Medical Center, and then to 'Armenia' hospital, where he died on April 8.

According to the police press service, the preliminary medical conclusion indicates that the cause of death was acute cardiovascular and respiratory failure due to acute amphetamine poisoning, resulting in toxic coma.

Preliminary data reveals that Edgar Tsatinyan, who has a history of numerous convictions, was taken to the Nor Nork division on April 7 as part of a murder investigation. His health condition sharply deteriorated at the police station, prompting an emergency call, and he was transferred to 'Saint Grigor Lusavorich' Medical Center, where he reported not remembering what he had swallowed. He was later transferred to 'Armenia' hospital, where he died in the morning on April 8.

On April 14, a relative of Edgar Tsatinyan reported to the police, alleging that the officers had beaten him to death and that medical personnel failed to provide assistance.

The investigative body has been instructed to also check for signs of false accusation under Article 333 of the RA Criminal Code regarding actions taken by the person who reported the crime against the police officers.

At the same time, at the instruction of Police Chief Valeriy Osipyan, a departmental investigation has been initiated to verify the circumstances mentioned in the report.