Criminal Case Initiated for Pollution of Voghji River: Details

On October 17, 2019, a criminal case was initiated at the Syunik Regional Prosecutor's Office regarding the damage to a pipeline of the Zangezur Copper Molybdenum Combine LLC and the pollution of the Voghji River with wastewater as per part 1 of article 284 of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Armenia (Violation of safety regulations for handling hazardous chemical and biological materials and waste, which negligently resulted in environmental pollution).

By order of the regional prosecutor, materials prepared by the Kapan Division of the Syunik Regional Directorate of the Police revealed that the rules for the transportation of waste produced by “ZPMK” LLC were evidently violated, leading to damage to a 1020mm diameter pipeline in the area of the company’s second dyke passing through the village of Nerkhin Geratagh in Syunik Province. Consequently, wastewater flowing through the pipeline poured into a stream in the area and polluted the Voghji River, thus negligently contaminating the environment.

The preliminary investigation of the criminal case has been entrusted to the Investigative Department of the Syunik Regional Police. The investigation will determine not only the full circumstances and causes of the incident but also the complete and final extent of the damage caused to the environment.

Notice: A suspect or defendant in an alleged crime is considered innocent until proven guilty in accordance with the procedures established by the Criminal Procedure Code of the Republic of Armenia by a legally effective ruling of the court.