"Gusan Ashot Cultural Center" CEO Charged

On June 17, 2021, a criminal case was initiated under the Article 149.1, Part 2, Clause 1 of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Armenia based on a report from the librarian of the "Gusan Ashot Cultural Center" in the Goris community of the Syunik region. The investigation established that the CEO of the center, H. Kh., used his official position, as well as the dependency of the center's employees on him, to force staff to participate in the pre-electoral campaign organized by the "Armenia" alliance in the Goris community on June 7, 2021.

Subsequently, on June 15, 2021, he obstructed librarian A. A. from attending a rally of the "Civil Contract" party by threatening him with dismissal. Based on sufficient evidence, charges were brought against H. Kh. under Article 149.1, Part 2, Clauses 1 and 2 of the Criminal Code.

As a measure of restraint, he was initially taken into custody, which was later replaced by bail. On July 2, 2021, the Syunik Regional Prosecutor's Office sent the criminal case with an indictment to the Syunik Regional First Instance Court for substantive examination.

During the judicial proceedings, taking into account the degree of public danger of the act attributed to the accused, the prosecuting attorney requested a sentence of 5 years imprisonment for H. Kh., along with a prohibition on holding leadership positions in public and local government bodies for 2 years.

On October 27, 2021, the court sentenced him to 4 (four) years of imprisonment, also prohibiting him from holding leadership positions in public and local government bodies for 2 (two) years. However, applying Article 70 of the Criminal Code, the court decided to suspend the execution of the imposed sentence and established a probation period of 3 (three) years.

The possibility of appealing the sentence in terms of leniency will be addressed upon receiving the court ruling and analyzing the court's reasoning and justifications.