338 Reports of Apparent Electoral Crimes Received Prior to Voting Day

In connection with the extraordinary elections to the National Assembly of Armenia scheduled for June 20, the working group established within the Prosecutor General's Office has summarized interim results of reports, alerts, and actions taken regarding apparent criminal manifestations linked to the electoral process received up to the day before voting.

During the specified period, a total of 338 reports and alerts were received. These include 123 media publications, 91 reports from individuals, including those received through the hotlines of the Prosecutor's Office, 2 letters from the office of the Human Rights Defender of Armenia, 65 posts made by users on social networks, and 57 operational data received from police officers.

Of the reports and alerts received:

• 155 relate to the giving, receiving, or mediating of electoral bribes (Articles 154.2 and 154.9 of the Criminal Code of Armenia);
• 59 pertain to obstructing the realization of electoral rights (Article 149 of the Criminal Code);
• 64 relate to coercing or obstructing participation in campaigning (Article 149.1 of the Criminal Code);
• 42 are associated with property damage related to electoral campaigning and similar materials (Article 185 of the Criminal Code);
• 18 involve other offences (Articles 177, 137, 118, 164, and 308 of the Criminal Code).

A total of 212 reports concerning alleged electoral violations, which were abstract and general in nature, have been referred to the Police of Armenia for necessary verification actions. As a result of operational and investigative measures, the information in 77 of these reports was not substantiated and was left without follow-up, while verification processes continue for 135.

Out of the total 338 reports, 126 have been sent to investigative or pre-investigation bodies for the preparation of materials, as stipulated by Articles 180-181 of the Code of Criminal Procedure of Armenia. Consequently, a decision has been made to refuse to initiate criminal proceedings for 35 of these, while the material preparation process continues for 65 cases.

Criminal cases have been initiated in 26 instances, including:

• 17 under various parts and combinations of Articles 154.2, 154.9, and 34-154.2 of the Criminal Code;
• 3 under various parts of Article 149.1 of the Criminal Code;
• 1 under points 1 and 2 of the second part of Article 149 of the Criminal Code;
• 5 related to damage to posters under various parts of Article 185 of the Criminal Code.

Charges have been brought against 14 individuals in the mentioned criminal cases, including 7 for receiving bribes, 6 for giving bribes, and 1 for coercing or obstructing participation in campaigning. Seven individuals are designated as suspects. Six individuals have been detained, while another six have been arrested.

The Prosecutor General's Office also received 18 other applications related to the elections and electoral rights, which did not contain information on any crime as defined by the Criminal Code. Explanations have been duly provided to the applicants, and in some cases, the applications have been forwarded to the Central Electoral Commission of Armenia for consideration.

On the voting day, June 20, the Prosecutor General's Office will publish statistics on reports, alerts, and publications regarding possible apparent criminal violations during voting, in a timely manner and at regular intervals.