11 Individuals Involved in Ijevan Clashes Still Not Identified

The Investigation Committee of Armenia continues to conduct extensive investigative and procedural actions in the criminal case related to the disturbances that occurred during a protest in the city of Ijevan, aimed at determining the circumstances of the violence inflicted on police officers and the hooliganism involved.

The committee reports that 22 individuals have been apprehended by the police in connection with the incident, and an additional 3 individuals have voluntarily come forward. Thirteen individuals have been arrested on suspicion of participating in the disturbances, while seven have been subjected to a measure of restraint in the form of a written undertaking not to leave the country. Additionally, five individuals have the status of witnesses in this criminal case.

Operational and investigative measures are actively being undertaken to locate the remaining 11 individuals involved. Earlier reports indicated that on July 17, 2019, starting around 6 PM, a group of individuals blocked the intersection of Yerevanyan and Ijevan streets on the interstate road between Armenia and Georgia to express their dissatisfaction with the increased measures against illegal logging. They grossly violated public order with hooliganistic intent, displaying blatant disrespect towards the residents of Ijevan and other participants in traffic. They shouted, used offensive language, and damaged the metal roof of the public transport stop located at the intersection. Using items as weapons, including stones and sticks, they inflicted bodily harm on several police officers, who were at the site to ensure public order, and they ignored the lawful demands of the police officers to cease their criminal actions.

A criminal case has been initiated under Articles 258, Part 3, Point 1, 258, Part 4, 316, Part 1, and 316, Part 2 of the RA Criminal Code. The investigation is ongoing. Necessary investigative actions are being carried out to clarify all circumstances of the incident, the circle of individuals suspected of committing the crime, and to individualize their actions and provide a criminal-legal assessment. Relevant procedural decisions will be made based on the evidence gathered, which will be communicated in due course.