Two Women Charged with Attempting to Involve Minors in Begging through Violence

The Investigative Committee of Armenia has revealed attempts to involve minors in begging through violence and threats, resulting in charges against two women.

During the investigation of a criminal case handled by the main division for particularly important cases, it was determined that a 54-year-old woman from Kotayk Province had gone to live with her two minor children with her former partner and his 34-year-old wife in Yerevan due to the lack of heating during the cold winter months.

It became clear that the 54-year-old woman had not provided adequate care for her children and had pressured her minor daughter into begging. However, the girl refused and attempted to escape, which ultimately thwarted the woman's intentions of exploiting her child.

Additionally, the investigation found that the 54-year-old woman frequently used violence against her other child, hitting her minor son in various parts of his body, causing him severe physical pain.

Further inquiries disclosed that the ex-wife of the former partner, born in 1990, intentionally inflicted severe physical pain on her 2-year-old daughter by squeezing her wrists against a hot wooden stove for several seconds, which resulted in temporary health impairment. She also struck her minor son in various parts of his body, causing him severe physical pain.

Based on sufficient evidence collected, the 54-year-old woman has been charged under Article 34-1322, part 2, clause 4 of the Criminal Code of Armenia (attempting to traffic or exploit a child or a person unable to understand the nature and significance of their act due to mental disorder) and Article 119, part 2, clause 3 (causing severe physical pain or psychological suffering). Meanwhile, the woman born in 1990 faces charges under Article 119, part 2, clauses 1 and 3 of the Criminal Code of Armenia.

The investigation is ongoing. The Investigative Committee has filed a request for appropriate measures to be taken by the guardianship and custody authorities to begin the process of depriving the aforementioned women of their parental rights.