Investigative Committee Reveals New Details on Incident Involving MPs in the National Assembly

On March 31, 2023, a report was received by the Police of the Republic of Armenia from the National Assembly regarding an incident that took place around 11:15 AM in the closed working meeting held in Hall 314 of the National Assembly on the third floor, involving members of parliament. Member of parliament Mher Sahakyan from the 'Armenia Alliance' parliamentary faction made an unfounded remark to MP Vladimir Vardanyan for speaking loudly, then approached him and struck Vardanyan once on the left eyebrow with an object in his right hand, causing Vardanyan to fall.

Sahakyan's actions disrupted the normal proceedings of the meeting. Following the incident, a criminal case was initiated by the Investigative Committee of Armenia’s Yerevan Investigation Department on the basis of Article 297, Part 3 and Article 195, Part 2, Point 1 of the Criminal Code of Armenia. MP Mher Sahakyan was arrested based on reasonable suspicion of committing a criminal act and taken to the police station.

MP Vladimir Vardanyan was transferred to the Nairi Medical Center for medical assistance due to his injuries. He has been recognized as a victim in the proceedings, and a forensic examination has been appointed. Several eyewitnesses have been interrogated regarding the incident, and necessary investigative actions are also underway with the arrested Mher Sahakyan.

All necessary procedural and evidential actions are being undertaken to fully clarify the circumstances of the incident and to ensure an objective and multifaceted investigation. In accordance with the requirements of the Constitution of Armenia, the President of the National Assembly has been properly informed about the imposition of restrictions on the MP.