Charges Filed Against 13 Individuals for Violence Against Police During Ijevan Events

The Investigative Committee reports that the preliminary investigation into the criminal case concerning disturbances during a protest in the city of Ijevan, involving violence against police officers and hooliganism, continues within the framework of the main department of the Investigative Committee.

Charges have been filed against 13 individuals. It was previously reported that on July 17, 2019, starting around 6 PM, a group of individuals expressed their discontent regarding the intensification of measures against illegal logging by blocking the interstate highway between Armenia and Georgia at the intersection of Yerevanyan and Ijevan streets. With hooligan motives, they seriously violated public order, demonstrating open disrespect towards the residents of Ijevan and other traffic participants, shouting and using offensive language, damaging the metal roof of the public transport stop at the mentioned intersection, and using stones and sticks as weapons to inflict bodily harm on several police officers present in that location, who represent the authorities. They also failed to comply with the legal demands of these police officers to cease their criminal actions, employing both non-dangerous and dangerous violence against them in connection with their official duties.

A criminal case has been initiated under points 1 of part 3 of Article 258, part 4 of Article 258, part 1 of Article 316, and part 2 of Article 316 of the RA Criminal Code.

During the preliminary investigation, extensive investigative actions have been carried out, including interrogations and confrontations, as well as around three dozen searches conducted in accordance with the law.

Based on the gathered sufficient evidence, charges have been filed against 13 individuals, of which 9 are charged under part 3 of Article 258 and part 1 of Article 316 of the RA Criminal Code, while 4 are charged under part 4 of Article 258 and part 1 of Article 316.

As a preventive measure, detention has been chosen for 10 individuals, while two have been subjected to alternative measures, and one has been given a signature not to leave.

The prosecuting body has made a decision regarding the arrest of an additional individual born in 1974. The preliminary investigation continues. Measures are being taken to ensure an objective, complete, and multi-faceted examination of the circumstances of the case. Instructions have been given to the investigative body.

Notice: The suspect or accused is considered innocent until proven guilty in accordance with the established procedure under the Criminal Procedure Code of the Republic of Armenia, by a court ruling that has entered into legal force.