Weapons and Ammunition Found in the Office of the Vorotan Village Head; He Has Been Arrested

According to a publication by a user of the "aravot.am" page on Facebook dated June 10, 2021, a criminal case was initiated based on the materials prepared regarding the parliamentary elections held on June 20, 2021. It was revealed that the head of the Vorotan community in the Syunik region organized meetings with the residents of the same village where Goris community leader Arush Arushanyan was also present. The Vorotan village head offered residents the opportunity to submit applications for social assistance, guaranteeing that they would be fulfilled.

As a result, 31 individuals submitted applications, which were approved by the acting Goris community leader's decision on June 9, 2021. It has been reported that most of these applicants are family members of the Vorotan village head. At the same time, it was noted that the Vorotan village head informed certain citizens that in order to receive social support, they must participate in the aforementioned elections and vote in favor of the “Armenia” alliance.

Considering that the factual data obtained during the criminal investigation regarding the provision of social assistance to residents before the parliamentary elections contains elements of crimes stipulated in the 1542nd article of the RA Criminal Code (offering and receiving electoral bribes), a new criminal case was initiated on July 8, 2021, under Parts 1 and 2 of Article 1542 of the RA Criminal Code. This case has been accepted under the jurisdiction of the Special Investigation Service of the Republic of Armenia. A team of investigators from the SIS and the Investigative Committee has been formed.

On July 9, 2021, searches were conducted in the office and residence of the Vorotan village head, during which weapons and ammunition were found, and the legality of their acquisition and storage is being verified. The Vorotan village head has been arrested on suspicion of committing a crime under Part 2 of Article 1542 of the RA Criminal Code. The investigation is ongoing.

Note: A suspected or accused individual is presumed innocent until proven guilty in accordance with the procedures established by the Criminal Procedure Code of the Republic of Armenia and by a legally binding court verdict.