Increase in Juvenile Crimes in Ararat Region

Recent investigations by the Ararat region's prosecutor's office indicate a dynamic increase in the number of crimes committed by minors in the area. Specifically, in 2018, 27 crimes were committed by 19 minors, while in 2019, this number rose to 34 crimes committed by 27 minors. This marks a 42% increase in the number of minors committing visible crimes and a 26% increase in the incidents of crime.

Out of the 27 minors who committed offenses, 12 are enrolled in general education schools. Notably, 6 incidents of crime were committed by 5 of these minors within school premises. Furthermore, three of these offenses occurred during class time, including one involving the use of a knife.

According to the severity of offenses, 22 of the recorded 34 incidents were classified as minor, 8 as medium severity, 3 as serious, and 1 as particularly serious. Remarkably, no particularly serious crimes were recorded in 2018. In relation to these cases, 6 criminal charges involving 9 individuals were sent to court with an accusatory conclusion, while the initiation of criminal proceedings concerning 26 incidents was rejected based on a lack of justification.

The statistics show a year-on-year increase in the incidents of crimes committed by minors in the region, alongside a trend of diminishing age thresholds among these offenders. In contrast, the severity of the crimes appears to be escalating. Alarmingly, the criminal files indicate that elements and mindsets characteristic of criminal subcultures are rooted in the acts of delinquency.

Analyses conducted by the prosecutor's office allow for the conclusion that the rise in juvenile crimes correlates with the inadequate implementation of preventive functions by the departments dealing with juvenile cases and domestic violence, lack of inspections during class hours in schools, and a low level of cooperation between these departments and educational institutions.

Furthermore, insufficient oversight by school administrations, teaching staff, and relevant divisions of the Ararat regional administration regarding minors' education, upbringing, and behavior greatly contributes to the situation. The improper organization of students' free time in schools is also a significant factor.

Additionally, crucial to the situation are the living conditions, upbringing, overall development, educational levels, academic performance, behavior, and the social environment surrounding the minors who have already committed crimes, as well as their roles within this environment, which highlights inadequacies in identifying causes and conditions that contribute to criminal acts.

Considering the urgent need to take measures stemming from the current situation, the prosecutor of the Ararat region has submitted proposals to the Governor of Ararat region, G. Sargsyan; the head of the police department for juvenile affairs and domestic violence, N. Duryan; the head of the investigative department of the RA Investigative Committee in Ararat region, A. Grigoryan; and the deputy head of the police department in Ararat region, A. Matevosyan.

It has been proposed that each agency take measures within their jurisdictions to prevent a further deterioration of juvenile delinquency in the region, strengthen oversight over the behavior of at-risk minors, organize their daily activities, implement substantial mechanisms for cooperation between the mentioned state bodies, and take other necessary actions while notifying the regional prosecutor's office of the results in accordance with Article 200 of the RA Criminal Procedure Code.