It is Known Who Fired Shots at Polling Station 11/11 in Azatashen Community: Investigative Committee Provides Details

At 08:30 on June 20, 2021, a report was received from a citizen regarding shots fired at polling station 11/11 in Azatashen community. On the same day, at 10:10, a call was received from the "Holy Mother of God" medical center reporting that two residents of the Geghanist community had sought medical assistance with a diagnosis of polytrauma. This was announced by the Investigative Committee of the Republic of Armenia.

Based on the reports, materials have been prepared, during the course of which a number of circumstances have been clarified. According to preliminary information, at approximately 08:30 on June 20, 2021, a dispute and scuffle took place at polling station 11/11 in the Ararat region's Azatashen community involving a candidate for parliament from one of the parties participating in the extraordinary elections, members of that party, and individuals carrying out observation duties at the polling station, including the candidate's son and the chairman of the commission. This altercation continued in the yard of the polling station, involving others who had come to vote, during which shots were fired.

Considering that there are legal grounds and basis for initiating a criminal case, the Ararat Regional Investigative Department of the Investigative Committee of the Republic of Armenia has opened a criminal case based on Article 149.2, part 2, and Article 154.4 of the RA Criminal Code.

During the pretrial investigation, as a result of investigative and other procedural actions, it was revealed that the shots were fired by the candidate's son, who is incapable of participating in investigative actions. A search of the scene was conducted, during which three 9mm cartridges were found, one of which was unfired, along with a gas pistol that was seized as the instrument of the crime.

The pretrial investigation is ongoing. Measures are being taken to clarify all circumstances of the incident and to ensure an objective, complete, and multifaceted investigation.

Note: A suspect in a presumed crime is considered innocent until proven guilty in accordance with the procedure established by the Criminal Procedure Code of the Republic of Armenia by a legally effective court judgment.