New Details on the Explosion on the Yerevan-Sevan Highway

Five individuals have been charged in relation to the explosion on the Yerevan-Sevan highway, as well as an incident of violence against a government official and obstruction of justice and investigation. The criminal case was revealed thanks to the close cooperation of investigators from the Kotayk regional investigative department of the Investigative Committee of Armenia and employees of the National Security Service of Armenia.

It is recalled that explosive materials, considered military munitions, were previously installed under the bridge located at the 15th km of the Yerevan-Sevan highway. This explosive was detonated on August 2, 2019, around 12:30 PM, during the transit of M. Manukyan's "Range Rover" and a "Nissan Patrol" vehicle accompanying it.

As a result of the joint efforts of investigators from the Kotayk regional investigative department of the Investigative Committee and agents of the National Security Service, numerous undeniable pieces of evidence significant to the criminal case were obtained. Based on this evidence, charges were brought against three individuals under parts 2, points 6 and 7 of Article 34-104, and part 2 of Article 235 of the Criminal Code of Armenia. They were placed under arrest as a preventive measure.

In connection with the assault against a government official, as well as obstruction of justice and the investigation, one person has been charged under part 1 of Article 316 and part 2 of Article 332 of the Criminal Code. He was also placed under arrest as a preventive measure.

Charges were also filed against R. Manukyan under part 1 of Article 316 and part 2 of Article 38-332 of the Criminal Code. On August 6, 2019, the prosecuting body applied to the court for the arrest of R. Manukyan as a preventive measure.

The preliminary investigation is ongoing. Information regarding procedural decisions made based on the data gathered in the investigation will be provided periodically.