Dispute That Ended with Minors Stabbing: Investigative Committee

The Investigative Committee of Armenia has concluded the preliminary investigation regarding the incident of severe bodily harm inflicted on minors, which was separated from the initiated criminal proceedings.

According to the Investigative Committee, on April 11, 2022, at 21:45, a report was received from the Vanadzor Medical Center indicating that three residents of Vanadzor were transported for medical assistance due to stab wounds—two of whom were 17 years old and one was 18.

During the criminal proceedings initiated regarding the case, immediate investigative and procedural actions were carried out, revealing the circumstances surrounding the injuries sustained by the youths, including the location of the incident, the motive, as well as the identity of one of the individuals who allegedly committed the crime. Their actions have been sanctioned with an appropriate legal assessment.

During the preliminary investigation, it was revealed that the injuries sustained by the youths occurred on April 11, 2022, around 20:50, in an area called "Ateka" adjacent to Narekatsi Street in Vanadzor, during a dispute that had arisen among several youths.

The investigation has established and substantiated that a quarrel took place between two 15-year-old boys from Vanadzor prior to the incident. In pursuit of further clarification, the youths agreed to meet at the specified location, attended by eight individuals engaged in the sport of Grappling on one side and 19 individuals on the other.

As a result of the actions taken, the identity of one person who caused serious bodily injury to one of the individuals transported to the hospital, namely the 18-year-old, was established. This individual is a 16-year-old resident of Vanadzor.

Based on the evidence obtained in accordance with the law, a charge has been filed against him under Article 166, Part 1 of the RA Criminal Code. As a measure of restraint, he has been placed under supervision.

Note: A person accused of a crime is presumed innocent until proven guilty in accordance with the procedures established by the Criminal Procedure Code of the Republic of Armenia and by a final judgment of the court.