26 Individuals Arrested During Gatherings in Yerevan, Investigative Committee Reports

The Investigative Committee of Armenia has announced that since September 19, during mass gatherings, marches, and other actions that commenced in Yerevan, criminal conduct by participants has been reported leading to criminal proceedings initiated against a total of 49 individuals by various divisions of the committee.

Out of these, 39 have been prosecuted for participating in mass disturbances, 4 for publicly calling for such disturbances, 2 for committing hooliganism in a group, and others for various other apparent crimes.

The prosecuting authority has submitted motions to the courts to apply pre-trial detention as a measure against 39 of the individuals facing criminal prosecution. As of September 24 at 16:00, 26 individuals have already been detained due to the courts fully approving the motions. Several other motions regarding the application of detention are still under discussion.

The investigation into the criminal acts committed by participants in mass gatherings in Yerevan is ongoing at the relevant divisions of the Investigative Committee. Actions are being taken to identify the criminal acts of many individuals involved in the disturbances, determine their identities, arrest them, and present them to the prosecuting authority.

The Investigative Committee reminds that the conduct of mass gatherings must comply with the requirements stipulated by the Law on Freedom of Assembly of Armenia. According to this law, the use of the freedom to assemble is prohibited for the purpose of violently overthrowing the constitutional order, inciting violence, or promoting such acts. Participants in gatherings are obligated not to carry weapons or items that can be used as weapons, adhere to orders related to maintaining order, and refrain from actions that obstruct the normal course of the gathering.

Article 327 of the Criminal Code of Armenia stipulates that participation in mass disturbances threatening public safety, if associated with violence or other actions endangering life or health, arson, destruction or damage to property, or using firearms, explosives, or detonating devices, or organizing or leading such actions is punishable by imprisonment for a term of four to eight years.