Formerly Convicted Participant of Rally Arrested on Suspicion of Violence Against Police Officers

The Investigative Committee reports that the Investigative Division for Serious Crimes in Yerevan is conducting investigative and procedural actions within the framework of a criminal case initiated under Part 1 of Article 316 of the Criminal Code. These actions aim to clarify the circumstances surrounding an incident of violence against police officers by a participant of political opposition rallies.

“According to preliminary data, during a rally organized by the political opposition on May 11, 2022, while participants limited access to the entrances of the Yerevan City Hall building, one of the participants, who had previously been convicted four times for various crimes, including robbery under extenuating circumstances, illegal possession of firearms, and hooliganism, did not comply with the legal demands of police officers performing duties in that area. He committed acts of violence against these officers and threatened them with violence, attempting to strike the officers with his head,” the statement reads.

“During the pre-trial investigation, a decision was made to charge this participant of the political opposition rally under Part 1 of Article 316 of the Criminal Code. To ensure his participation in the discussion of a petition for the application of detention as a measure of restraint, a decision was made to arrest him in accordance with Article 130 of the Criminal Procedure Code.” The investigation is ongoing,” the statement adds.