Increase in Murder Rates Recorded in Armenia

In 2019, there were 1.6 murders per 100,000 residents in Armenia. Although this figure is 0.4% lower than the annual average over the last decade, it has increased by 0.4% compared to the previous year. The annual average number of murders from 2009 to 2019 was approximately 52. Over the last decade, murder cases have decreased by about 31% (from 68 to 47).

This information is provided in the 2019 report on the activities of the Office of the Prosecutor General. While the increase in murder cases is concerning, given the analysis mentioned, we can assess the criminal situation in this area as manageable.

Alongside the rise in murder cases, the detection rate has decreased, reaching 72.7%, compared to 74.6% the previous year. During the reporting period, there were 28 attempted murders and 2 cases of preparation for murder, similar to the previous year. Notably, the number of attempted murders in Yerevan has decreased by 25%, while in the regions, it has increased by 17%. Last year, there was a 30.4% increase in attempted murders; thus, the situation regarding this type of crime can be considered manageable.

There has also been a 20.9% increase, with 40 cases recorded, in incidents of intentional severe injury. In 2018, a reduction of 1.5% was noted in such cases. Specifically, cases of intentional severe injury in Yerevan increased by 7%, and in the regions, by 32.4% (34 cases).

Alongside the increase in cases of intentional severe injury, the detection rate has fallen to 84.6%, down from 87.0% the previous year.

The report presents statistics from 2009-2019 on murders, attempted murders, intentional severe injuries, and crimes involving weapons or military ammunition. Analysis of murders and intentional injuries reveals no significant factors contributing to these crimes. The recorded murders were committed for hooliganistic, selfish, domestic motives, and in revenge for previous conflicts, among other reasons. However, it is essential to note that particularly murders and severe intentional injury cases motivated by revenge indicate a gap in the effectiveness of the operational and preventive measures to prevent such incidents.

Equally concerning are the cases of murder and intentional severe injury committed by individuals suffering from mental illnesses. Given the alarming number of these cases, the prosecution practices concerning violent crimes committed in a state of insanity during 2018-2019 have been examined. In 14 studies, it was found that individuals who committed such crimes had, in some cases, previously interacted with law enforcement due to their manifested violent behaviors, indicating an anticipated risk.

The study revealed a lack of attention to cases where individuals with mental illnesses committed minor or medium-level crimes; issues related to their illness and prior treatments rarely receive adequate scrutiny, and the potential risks stemming from them are overlooked. Questions about their mental health, including those based on referrals, do not find discussion outside the scope of criminal proceedings, and necessary measures concerning their mental state are not taken, which leads to the continuation of such behaviors.

Furthermore, the study indicated that some causes of the current situation stem from gaps and inadequate regulations in the legislation governing psychiatric assistance, which fail to ensure proper supervision of mentally ill individuals discharged from psychiatric institutions and the identification of deteriorations in their mental conditions. Additionally, there are doubts about the adequacy of previous medical assistance provided to individuals with mental illnesses who have committed crimes.