The Shooter in Aparan Was Not Alone: Who Are the Police Chief and Prosecutor Trying to Protect?

For several days now, law enforcement agencies have been working diligently to extricate the associates of the 'Civil Contract' faction from the scandal surrounding the shooting incidents in Aparan and to clear them of any criminal charges. In particular, the investigative body, specifically the Investigative Committee of Armenia, officially reported that, according to the facts obtained during the investigation, on June 18, 2022, around 10:30 PM, a 32-year-old resident of Yerevan, alongside his brother, signaled a vehicle of brand 'Infiniti' while driving in the city of Aparan, maneuvered around it, and halted it. They then approached the driver to discuss matters regarding the car, which led to intervention by several residents of Aparan.

This conversation escalated into an argument, which continued at the beginning of the city of Aparan. To continue this discussion, the next day, on June 19, the 32-year-old man, along with his brother and several others, went to the gas station area in Aparan, encountered one of the individuals who had intervened the previous day, and assaulted him. The conversation continued around 7:30 PM near the garbage dump of the village of Nigavan, during which the 32-year-old man fired shots from a firearm at those involved in the argument.

As a result, two residents of Aparan, aged 27, were transferred to Aparan Medical Center with gunshot wounds but later died, while five others were taken to medical facilities.

While the Police of Armenia and the Investigative Committee claim that only one person fired the shots, resulting in two fatalities, information reaching ArmLur.am indicates that the 32-year-old individual was not the sole shooter. Specifically, on the day in question, shots were fired from various weapons, and the arrested 32-year-old man is not the only one who fired at the participants in the brawl.

Furthermore, reports suggest that one of the shooters is a supporter of the 'Civil Contract' party, whom Police Chief Vahe Ghazaryan and Investigative Committee Chair Arghisti Kyaramyan are allegedly attempting to clear from the criminal case.

In response to inquiries regarding the authenticity of the information, the media was informed by the investigative body that the preliminary investigation is ongoing, and the Investigative Committee of Armenia has issued an official statement concerning the incident.