Charges Filed Against Individual Who Committed Violence Against Minors in Educational Institution

The Investigative Committee of the Republic of Armenia has unveiled significant details regarding a series of violent incidents involving minors at a public educational institution in Yerevan.

According to reports from the Investigative Committee, on May 11, 2023, around 12:55 PM, the police received a notification about a confrontation involving several individuals at the educational institution, which included violent actions against teachers and students, and physical assaults on two students.

A medical facility reported that two minors were transferred from the institution that day; one suffered a broken nose, while the other sustained injuries to the chin and tongue.

Following this incident, the Investigative Committee initiated a criminal proceeding on the same day, and a dedicated investigation team was formed. The injured minors were recognized as victims, and forensic examinations were ordered for them. Based on reasonable suspicion of committing a crime, one individual was arrested on that same day.

Investigations revealed that this individual, along with four others whose identities are yet to be determined, entered the educational institution around 12:50 PM on the same day. Disregarding societal norms and the rules of law and morality, after a minor provocation against his son by the school's students, he began to argue with both students and teachers. During this altercation, he struck two students, causing the aforementioned bodily injuries and uttered insults. As a result of these actions, the normal functioning of the school was significantly disrupted.

Based on the collected factual data, public criminal charges were raised against this individual under several provisions of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Armenia: Article 167, part 4 and 12 (causing moderate bodily harm to a minor, motivated by hooliganism), Article 195, part 3 and 9 (physical impact on a minor, motivated by hooliganism), and Article 297, part 1 (hooliganism by a group of individuals).

The individual has been charged and has fully accepted the allegations. The prosecutorial body has submitted a motion to the court to apply detention as a measure of restraint against him.

The pre-trial investigation continues. Necessary measures are being taken to clarify the circumstances of the incident, identify other individuals who allegedly committed the crime, and legally assess their actions.