Police Officers of Newly Introduced Patrol Service in Lori Face Violence, Prosecutor's Office

Since the operational launch of the Patrol Service of the RA Police in Lori Province on April 16, 2022, up until May 25, 2022, a total of 4 criminal cases have been initiated regarding incidents of violence against the officers of the patrol service as representatives of the authorities, as well as other related criminal activities. Currently, pre-trial investigations are underway.

The Prosecutor's Office reports that the incidents of violence against representatives of the authorities were related to alleged various legal violations committed by drivers and passengers of halted vehicles during the execution of the officers' official duties, who did not comply with the lawful demands of the patrol service employees and resorted to violence against them.

Taking into account the public danger posed by the committed criminal acts, the nature of the violated social relations, as well as the state's uncompromising policy principles in the fight against attacks on the law enforcement system, based on direct instructions from the regional prosecutor, motions have been filed to the court to select a preventive measure of detention for 5 out of 7 individuals involved as defendants in the 4 criminal cases being investigated under Article 316 of the RA Criminal Code, and these motions have been granted.

The RA Prosecutor's Office sternly warns citizens to refrain from any criminal assaults against police officers performing their official duties, specifically the newly launched patrol service employees in the region. In cases of disagreement with their actions, individuals should pursue the matter through hierarchical channels or raise the issue of the legality of those actions through established legal procedures. Otherwise, there will be a harsh response, and the Prosecutor's Office will seek to hold those who commit such acts criminally responsible.