The NSS Uncovers and Prevents a Case of Usurpation of Power; Albert Bazeyan and 7 Others Arrested

Eight members of the "Crusaders Military Patriotic" NGO, including Albert Bazeyan, as well as other individuals, have been arrested. This information has been reported by the National Security Service of the Republic of Armenia.

According to the statement, driven by anti-government sentiments and ideological animosity towards members of the Armenian government and its leader, and having reached preliminary agreements with each other, they made arrangements to use weapons and ammunition they possessed as tools of crime, intending to exert dangerous violence or threaten lives and health in order to illegally seize power by means not provided for in the Constitution.

The NSS reported that the criminal group members had acquired telecommunications devices, jammers, and other means and tools that facilitate the commission of the crime. They noted that the members of the "Crusaders Military Patriotic" NGO were preparing to commit a usurpation of power, but due to circumstances beyond their control, they were unable to initiate the execution of their intended crime, as it was uncovered and thwarted by the NSS staff.

Public criminal proceedings have been instituted against the eight NGO members, and charges have been presented under parts 1 of Articles 43-419 of the Armenian Criminal Code (preparation for a crime, usurpation of power).

In addition, the NSS has conducted searches at the residences and workplaces of the criminal group's members, resulting in the discovery of firearms, weapons, military ammunition, pneumatic pistols, bulletproof vests, telecommunications devices, computers, notebooks containing various records, documents, and more.

The investigation is ongoing to clarify the entire circle of persons involved in the criminal group and to apply legal measures against them.

It is noteworthy that on the evening of September 23, Albert Bazeyan, the former head of the "Homeland Defender" parliamentary group and former vice president of the Yerevan Youth Organization, was arrested by NSS employees at his home. He has been charged with suspicion of usurping power.