Residents of Gegharkunik Province Insult and Assault Patrol Officers

In the framework of a criminal investigation conducted by the Gegharkunik Regional Investigation Department of the RA Investigative Committee, investigative and procedural actions are being carried out to clarify the circumstances surrounding the interference with the lawful activities of police officers in the same province.

According to a report submitted by the senior patrol officer of the Gegharkunik region on March 24, 2023, patrol officers serving on the road segment from the village of Tsovak to the village of Karchaghbyur noticed a parked vehicle of the model "Vaz 2114" at around 21:15 on the same day. Considering the position of the parked vehicle, they approached it, thinking that assistance was needed, from which three individuals exited.

One of them, a 29-year-old resident of Gegharkunik, began to insult the patrol officers, after which two other residents of the same province, aged 30 and 31, approached and also started to insult them. During this time, the 31-year-old man grabbed and struck the patrol officers, ripped off a camera attached to one of them, and attempted to take the cameras from the other officers. Meanwhile, the 29-year-old man kicked the right side of the patrol car, causing damage. During these actions, the service reflective jacket of one of the patrol officers was torn.

The officers used tear gas and physical force. The 30 and 31-year-old men were arrested on reasonable suspicion of committing a crime, while the 29-year-old man, who was armed with a baton, fled. A criminal case has been initiated regarding the incident, and the mentioned patrol officers have been recognized as victims and interviewed. Forensic examinations have been appointed.

A request was submitted to the supervising prosecutor to initiate public criminal prosecution against the two individuals under part 3 of Article 452 of the RA Criminal Code, which was granted, and they were charged. The prosecuting body has filed petitions with the court to select detention as a precautionary measure against them, which have also been granted. Necessary measures are being taken to clarify all circumstances of the incident, to locate the 29-year-old man, to present him to the prosecuting body, and to resolve the issue of initiating public criminal prosecution against him.