Clarification from the Special Investigative Service Regarding Statements Made During the Rally

Recently, during the broadcast of a gathering at Freedom Square in Yerevan, Gegham Manukyan, a representative of the opposition parties, addressed the participants, claiming that all individuals involved in a criminal case were summoned by the Special Investigative Service (SIS) during the rally and that investigators allegedly told them: 'We have nothing to ask you, you need to remain here for an hour so you don't attend the rally.'

In this regard, we find it necessary to state that on the date mentioned by G. Manukyan (November 13, 2020), both he and representatives of other political forces were lawfully summoned for interrogation within the framework of a criminal case. During these interrogations, besides clarifying facts essential to the case, no other questions were posed, and no statements unrelated to the criminal case, including those attributed to investigators by G. Manukyan, were made. Therefore, G. Manukyan's statements are merely a manifestation of his imagination and nothing more than simple falsehoods.

Moreover, we urge certain media outlets to refrain from resorting to informational provocations and disseminating disinformation in this manner. Specifically, the news headline '13 investigators from various law enforcement agencies of the Republic of Armenia have resigned,' published on November 16, 2020, by the news portal Hayeli.am, along with the photo of the SIS investigative team, was intended solely to attract attention and present the stated media outlet's desires as reality.

In contrast to such speculations, all investigators of the Special Investigative Service of the Republic of Armenia continue to operate normally and to carry out their legally assigned duties. Considering the above, we urge the public not to believe in manipulative information that has no relation to reality.

The Special Investigative Service of the Republic of Armenia, being a non-political entity, continues to use all the tools at its disposal to serve the public interest, ensuring the strict implementation of the principle of the rule of law.