During the Beating of Lieutenant Colonel Ara Mkrtchyan, Former Governor of Vayots Dzor Was Not Present at the Scene: Investigation Committee

Considering public interest, the Investigative Committee reports that two individuals, Harutyun Grigoryan and his brother Zaven Grigoryan, have been charged in the case regarding the deliberate severe harm caused to soldier Ara Mkrtchyan’s health.

The investigation revealed that Harutyun and Zaven Grigoryan inflicted blows to Ara Mkrtchyan's head with fists and a baton, deliberately causing severe harm to his health. The two defendants have been remanded in custody as a precautionary measure.

Eyewitnesses to the incident, soldiers Mariam Hunanian, Zhora Baghdasaryan, Mkhtiar Melkonyan, and Levon Harutyunyan, stated in their testimonies about the presence of the Vayots Dzor governor Tigran Sargsyan at the scene and his inaction. They maintained their testimonies when confronted with Tigran Sargsyan.

Sargsyan categorically denied being present at the scene and witnessing the altercation, claiming he was at his residence on Mikoyan Street in Yeghegnadzor from 22:02 on September 17, 2019.

Investigative actions, including the analysis of the defendants' mobile phone call records, have provided precise data indicating that the crime occurred between 23:55 on September 17 and was completed by 00:01 on September 18, as a call was made to the ambulance service at that time.

Footage from a security camera at the entrance of Sargsyan’s residence confirmed his return on September 17, 2019, at 22:02, and that he did not leave the apartment until 00:20 on September 18.

On October 18, 2019, the results of an audio-visual examination were received, which included a photo report verifying that there were no signs of tampering with the recording device; it was also noted that the time indicator on the device was only two minutes behind actual time. The circumstances mentioned in Sargsyan’s testimony were also corroborated by the analysis of phone calls made from his mobile phone.