Police Officers Assaulted, Uniforms Torn: Details of the Incident in Urasar

The Investigative Committee of Armenia is conducting an investigation in the Stepanavan investigative division of the Lori regional investigative department to clarify all circumstances surrounding the apparent serious assault on police officers and the use of violence, as well as an attempt to seize a police officer's service weapon and special means.

According to preliminary data, on June 3, 2022, at around 18:15, officers of the patrol service of the police force of Lori stopped a "Vaz 2106" vehicle in the Urasar community of Stepanavan for committing an administrative violation. It then became clear that the driver of the vehicle was in an apparent state of intoxication. The police, in accordance with the law, initiated a process to check the driver's sobriety, which was noticed by the driver's fellow villagers, who obstructed the police officers in the performance of their official duties, engaged in arguments, insulted them, and inflicted blows on various parts of the police officers' bodies, causing bodily harm and physical pain. They also tore the officers' uniforms; one of them attempted to seize the service weapon attached to one of the police officers, while another damaged the police vehicles.

A criminal case has been initiated under paragraphs 2 of part 2 of Article 137.1, part 1 of Article 34-238, and part 1 of Article 316 of the Criminal Code of Armenia. Five police officers have been recognized as victims and have been interrogated regarding the circumstances of the incident. Two individuals involved in the incident were arrested. During the preliminary investigation, the damaged uniforms of the police officers and the clothing of the participants in the altercation were confiscated, and forensic, trace examination, and forensic material examinations have been appointed.

The preliminary investigation continues. Measures are being taken to clarify all circumstances of the incident and to ensure an objective and comprehensive investigation. The investigating authority has been given instructions.