Investigations Unfolding in Kajaran Incident

The Investigative Committee of Armenia has provided clarifications regarding the criminal case related to the incidents in Kajaran. During the preliminary investigation conducted by the main department for particularly important cases of the committee, it was revealed that a dispute occurred between residents G. M. and his friend K. T. On April 26, 2020, at around 20:00, the head of the Kajaran community called for a gathering at the back of a non-operational former restaurant at his owned gas station on Lernagortsner Street, where approximately 20 individuals were present, resulting in a brawl.

On April 29, 2020, at around 13:30, employees of the Zangezur Copper-Molybdenum Combine, including B. H., his brother L. H., K. M., and M. S., used violence to abduct S. M. in the company's parking lot, transferring him by vehicle operated by K. M. to the territory of "Ajdanaq" LLC, where he was beaten by A. H. and G. M. After about half an hour of beating him, S. M. was transported by a Toyota Prado to a private home belonging to A. P. in the Agarak settlement, where he was beaten again. Intervention came from S. M.'s brother G. M. and A. P., as well as unidentified individuals, leading to the cessation of the brawl.

During the investigation into the criminal case, a search conducted at A. P.'s residence uncovered a substantial amount of marijuana.

On May 24, 2020, K. M., M. S., and L. H. were arrested under the first point of part two of Article 131 of the RA Criminal Code, while A. P. was arrested on suspicion of committing crimes specified in part three of Article 268 of the RA Criminal Code.

Extensive investigative actions and operational measures are underway to verify the involvement of the community head in the incidents and clarify his role. The preliminary investigation continues.

Simultaneously, the Investigative Committee of Armenia urges not to obstruct the investigation of the criminal case and the administration of justice, as there is criminal liability for doing so. A notice states that a suspect or accused in a presumed crime is considered innocent until proven guilty by a legally binding court verdict as per the procedure established by the Criminal Procedure Code of the Republic of Armenia.