Driver of 'Hammer' Faces Up to 10 Years in Prison

On February 10, Gegham Sahakyan, a resident of Ararat, was found guilty for driving a 'Hammer' vehicle in downtown Yerevan, and he faces up to 10 years in prison. Gegham is currently being held at the 'Sovetashen' Penitentiary, where he continues to receive methadone treatment. However, he has voluntarily reduced his dosage, and he is gradually becoming more stable, suggesting that the methadone therapy is yielding results. This was stated by Gegham's mother, Mrs. Arpine, in an interview with 'Iravunk.'

The case materials include a forensic psychiatric assessment that confirms that Gegham has mental health issues. However, the expert also noted that Sahakyan suffers from 'non-psychotic and behavioral disorders due to the combined use of drugs and other psychoactive substances.' The psychiatrist wrote that he is guilty but was under the influence of medication at the time of the incident. This is supported by an expert conclusion, yet it seems that now everything is selective; even providing an assessment for a drug addict requires permission from higher authorities.

It is worth recalling that on February 10, around 11 PM, the driver of the 'Hammer' vehicle grossly violated traffic rules in downtown Yerevan, failing to comply with the lawful demands of police officers. He drove toward police and citizens, engaging in actions that posed a danger to their lives and health. To stop the vehicle's movement, firearms were used to shoot at the tires.