Video: Has the possibility of a terrorist act or intent been considered? Kyaramyan provides details on the explosion case

There is no evidence in the criminal case regarding the explosion at the 'Surmalu' shopping center that would support the existence of terrorism or other intentional criminal acts. This was stated today, August 18, during a regular government meeting by the Chairman of the Investigative Committee, Argishti Kyaramyan, in response to Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan’s question about whether the hypotheses of terrorism or intentional actions had been considered.

“Various hypotheses are being discussed in the criminal case, including those you mentioned. The evidence present in the case largely indicates that it is a crime resulting from negligence,” responded the Chairman of the Investigative Committee.

According to Nikol Pashinyan, it becomes evident from the footage of the explosion that the logic of any terrorist act is excluded. “We see smoke, people fleeing, after which the explosion occurred. After such an incident, the first question that arises for me is what the government did wrong to prevent such developments. Back in August 2020, following the explosion in Beirut, I instructed the relevant agencies to gather information on all possible objects and companies dealing with explosive materials. One of the first actions after the incident was to request a report on the instructions given. Information regarding that is currently being compiled,” said Pashinyan.

Pashinyan instructed the head of the State Emergency Service, Romanos Petrosyan, to investigate how his instructions have been implemented. “The Fire and Technical Safety Inspectorate conducted inspections in the spring of 2021. Within the framework of those instructions, violations were recorded. I need a thorough examination,” he added.

It should be recalled that an explosion occurred at the 'Surmalu' shopping center on August 14, resulting in 16 fatalities. One citizen is considered missing. The total number of injured is 61. Four injured individuals continue treatment in various hospitals, and their health condition is assessed as satisfactory. The other hospitalized individuals have been discharged with positive dynamics in their conditions.