Criminal Case Opened Following Violence by Inmate Against Employees of 'Artik' Penitentiary

A criminal case has been initiated following an incident of violence against employees of the 'Artik' penitentiary by an inmate. This information has been reported by the Corrections Service.

The Shirak Regional Investigative Department of the Investigative Committee of Armenia is conducting an inquiry to establish all the circumstances surrounding the incident in which an inmate inflicted violence on employees of the 'Artik' penitentiary.

On July 21, 2020, at approximately 10:00 PM, the assistant to the duty officer of the 'Artik' penitentiary reported that earlier that day, at around 8:30 PM, in accordance with established procedures, they had opened the cell door to deliver bedding items to an inmate in the disciplinary and quarantine sections, who was in violation of internal regulations.

As the inmate approached the cell door to take the items, he unexpectedly inflicted an injury on one of the penitentiary staff members using a razor blade that he had in his hand. Another staff member attempted to disarm the inmate, but was also injured by the blade on his face and neck. The inmate continued to inflict violence on the penitentiary staff and also harmed himself with the same blade.

Following the incident, the Shirak Regional Investigative Department of the Investigative Committee opened a criminal case under Article 316, Part 2 of the Criminal Code of Armenia (violence against a representative of authority). The two penitentiary employees were recognized as victims and have provided testimonies regarding the incident.

During the preliminary investigation, investigative actions were carried out, including a search of the crime scene, seizure of evidence, and questioning of several individuals. A forensic medical examination has been appointed to establish the severity of injuries inflicted on the penitentiary staff and other significant circumstances relating to the case. The Investigative Committee has stated that the investigation is ongoing, and measures are being taken to establish all the circumstances of the incident while ensuring an objective, complete, and comprehensive inquiry.

The 'Artik' penitentiary has transferred the razor blade, which was used as a tool of crime, to the investigative authorities.