Investigative Committee Examines Teen's Suspected Suicide Under Influence of Computer Games

The Investigative Committee is examining the hypothesis that 15-year-old Hrachya Nersisyan took his own life due to the influence of computer games. This was reported in response to a query from Factinfo by the Investigative Committee of the Republic of Armenia.

It is noted that a report about the disappearance of the minor, born in 2005, was filed on January 29 at 21:30. Following operational-search measures, the boy's body was discovered under the Kiev Bridge on January 31, 2021, hanging from a tree with a piece of cloth. An external examination of the body did not reveal any signs of violence, and personal belongings of the boy were found in his pants pockets.

A criminal case has been initiated at the Arabkir investigative division of the Investigative Committee in Yerevan under Part 1 of Article 110 of the RA Criminal Code (incitement to suicide), and the preliminary investigation has been assigned to an investigative group.

The news of the 15-year-old's death has caused a significant uproar, with various hypotheses circulating in the media regarding the circumstances of the boy's death. In particular, it has been reported that the boy played the computer game "Blue Whale," which, if the player fails to succeed at the end of the game, requires them to fulfill assigned tasks that may involve self-harm, harm to others, or suicide.

Factinfo has inquired with the Investigative Committee to clarify how many hypotheses have been put forward by the preliminary investigative body regarding the circumstances of the boy's death and whether the hypothesis regarding the influence of computer games leading to suicide is being examined. In response, it was officially stated that several hypotheses have been developed concerning the boy's death, including the hypothesis that he was influenced by computer games, leading to his suicide.

According to Rima Eghanyan, the head of the Information and Public Relations Department of the Investigative Committee, forensic medical, forensic trace, and computer technical examinations have been appointed to clarify significant circumstances of the criminal case. "Due to the interests of the investigation, no further information is subject to publication at this time. The investigation continues," Eghanyan noted.