Instructed by 'K'yazh', individual directed to punish inmate through beating

The Investigative Committee of the Republic of Armenia has reported on significant investigative and procedural actions carried out by its Main Investigation Department concerning the creation and leadership of a criminal group by high-ranking individuals within the criminal hierarchy.

According to the factual data obtained during the investigation, an individual known as 'Zhiro Shahumyansky', a prominent figure in the criminal hierarchy, directed another high-ranking criminal, known as 'Kilikian Harutik', between December 29, 2020, and January 25, 2021, at the 'Nubarashen' penitentiary to instruct another inmate to 'punish' an inmate of that penitentiary identified as 'K'yazh' by means of a beating. However, the mentioned inmate refused to fulfill this instruction.

Following this, under the directive of 'Zhiro Shahumyansky', 'Kilikian Harutik' involved another high-ranking inmate held at 'Armavir' penitentiary, who then assured and proposed the candidacy of an inmate known as 'Pze'. This individual, adhering to the behavioral rules of the criminal organization, temporarily undertook the so-called 'zone supervisor' duties in the third building of the 'Armavir' penitentiary, distributing external deliveries of cigarettes and food to inmates three times within twenty days. Additionally, on January 18 and 24, 2021, he instructed them to create disturbances, thereby indicating his tangible involvement within the criminal group.

Moreover, to obstruct the adoption of a bill initiated by the Government of Armenia that criminalizes actions related to the criminal culture and to express their disagreement, 'Kilikian Harutik', having received instructions, organized mass disturbances at 'Nubarashen' penitentiary on September 5, 2019. During these disturbances, inmates from the third and fourth buildings verbally abused and insulted law enforcement representatives, kicking doors and feeding slots with their feet and other objects, breaking them, and burning parts of the dry grassy area surrounding the penitentiary. They refused to comply with the legal demands of the 'Nubarashen' penitentiary staff to cease the disturbances and exhibited disobedience.

With the sufficient combination of evidence gathered, charges have been brought against the individuals known as 'Zhiro Shahumyansky' under point 5 of part 2 of Article 223.2 of the RA Criminal Code, against 'Kilikian Harutik' under part 1 of Article 225, and under points 1 and 5 of part 3 of Article 223.3, while another high-ranking individual has been charged under points 1 and 5 of part 3 of Article 223.3 of the RA Criminal Code. The preliminary investigation concerning these three individuals has concluded, and the criminal case has been sent to the prosecutor overseeing the procedural control with a request to approve the indictment and forward it to the court.

Notice: The suspect or accused is presumed innocent until proven guilty in accordance with the law, through a legally binding court decision.