Details on Mass Disorders During Opposition Rally: Investigation Committee

The investigation into the mass disorders, hooliganism, and violence against police officers that occurred during the opposition "Resistance" movement's rally in front of the Government's 3rd building on May 30, 2022, has reached conclusion regarding one suspect, according to the Investigative Committee of Armenia.

As a result of the necessary measures taken, it was established that significant circumstances surrounding the incident have been identified, including the identities of nine individuals participating in the disorders and individualized actions attributed to them, which have been legally assessed.

The investigation revealed that a 35-year-old resident of the Ararat province, while participating in the mass disorders, exhibited aggressive behavior, disobeyed and opposed the lawful demands of the police officers, insulted them, and used punches to physically assault one officer. Only through the intervention of police forces was it possible to halt and disrupt the illegal actions of the mentioned resident and other participants in the mass disorders.

Based on the accumulated evidence, the resident of Ararat province was charged under Article 225, Part 2 of the RA Criminal Code, which corresponds to Article 327, Part 1 of the current Criminal Code.

As a measure of restraint, he has been detained. The portion concerning him has been separated from the criminal proceedings, the completion of the pre-investigation has been declared, and the materials of the criminal case have been sent to the supervising prosecutor with a request for approval of the indictment and submission to the competent court.

Previously, the Investigative Committee informed that on that day, a regular gathering organized by the "Resistance" movement took place at France Square in Yerevan. During the event, participants, as per their decision and guidance, moved toward the Government's 3rd building.

On the same day, around 11:30 am to 12:00 pm, opposition legislators attempted to enter the building, but were informed by police officers maintaining public order that the ministers were unable to meet them at that moment.

Following this, several participants of the gathering, incited and guided by yet unidentified individuals who organized the mass disorders, moved towards the police barricade in front of the building and, disobeying and opposing the police’s lawful orders to not enter the ministry building and to vacate the area, threatened public safety, used violence against the police, broke through the barricade, damaged the doors and windows of the building, entered its foyer, and also damaged parked vehicles in the nearby area.

It is noted that the preliminary investigation regarding two other defendants has also been completed, while the investigation continues concerning other defendants as well as unidentified individuals.