Ara Saghatelyan and Karen Bekaryan Arrested: NSS Provides Details

The former chief of staff of the National Assembly of the Republic of Armenia, A.S., while holding high state positions, managed to gain authority and influence among individuals with anti-government views. Utilizing this influence and connections, he aimed to commit several crimes by creating an organized, stable group that included his colleague K.B., driver M.A., A.S. himself, and unidentified persons with whom he had close ties.

In order to achieve their objectives, the group's members combined their efforts and planned to execute a number of crimes. To conceal their actions, avoid detection, and facilitate the commission of these crimes, they created a fake page on the social network Facebook under the name 'Gagik Soghomonyan.' Following a pre-developed plan, they ensured access to this joint fake page for the group's members, even planning to publish posts simultaneously on behalf of 'Gagik Soghomonyan' should any member of the group be exposed.

By pooling their resources and distributing roles, they embarked on fulfilling their criminal objectives. On September 27, 2020, in the morning, while commenting on the military operations initiated by the armed forces of the Republic of Azerbaijan towards the Republic of Artsakh on social media, A.S., K.B., M.A., and other unidentified individuals acted under the name 'Gagik Soghomonyan,' violating Paragraph 9.1 of the Armenian Government's Decision No. 1586-N regarding the state of martial law established on September 27, 2020.

From October 10, 2020, they began publishing materials that criticized or undermined the actions of state and local self-government bodies and officials aimed at ensuring the legal regime of martial law and state security, casting doubt on the effectiveness of those measures. These publications contained accusatory remarks directed at the Prime Minister of Armenia and other high-ranking public officials, alleging treason, deliberate actions during wartime, and the conscious sacrifice of Armenian soldiers, which caused significant harm to individuals, society, and the state during a wartime situation.

Moreover, alongside the same organized group, A.S. publicly incited public disorder through the fake page 'Gagik Soghomonyan,' which had thousands of followers. They made threats of violence based on political views against members of the group and issued calls for violence, alongside derogatory expressions that belittled the dignity of certain segments of society and insulted public figures. This included derogatory remarks directed at supporters of the Prime Minister and voters who supported the 'My Step' parliamentary faction, dehumanizing them and inciting mutual hatred, distrust, and contempt among the Armenian nation.

On these grounds, A.S., K.B., and M.A. were apprehended by the NSS investigation department on the basis of suspicion of committing crimes under relevant articles of the Criminal Code of Armenia. Numerous investigative and procedural actions have been undertaken, including the seizure of computers, phones, modems, and other objects significant to the criminal case during searches. Extensive operational-investigative and investigative measures are being undertaken to uncover the full scope of the committed crimes, identify other members of the group, and initiate criminal prosecution against other individuals involved.

Meanwhile, it has been revealed that the National Security Service of the Republic of Armenia will continue its persistent struggle against crimes aimed at undermining public safety and constitutional order and against threats to state security, urging the broad public to demonstrate strictly lawful behavior and not to yield to provocative calls that destabilize the country's internal security during the state of martial law. The NSS warns that it is fully aware of the operational situation and will decisively neutralize any type of attack against the state and constitutional order.

Note: The presumption of innocence applies to any person suspected or charged with a crime until proven guilty in accordance with the procedure established by the Criminal Procedure Code of the Republic of Armenia through a legally binding court judgment.