The Investigative Committee Provides Details on Incident Involving Arthur Chakhoyan

Ciminal proceedings have been initiated following an incident involving Arthur Chakhoyan. This was reported by the Investigative Committee of the Republic of Armenia.

On the evening of October 9, 2023, a report was received from Yerevan resident Arthur Chakhoyan stating that at approximately 7:20 PM on the same day, he was attacked by three unknown individuals near the entrance of a building on Gay Avenue in Yerevan. They threatened him, struck him, resulting in bodily injuries, and then fled. During the altercation, one of the attackers slipped and fell, attempting to stab him with a knife. However, Chakhoyan managed to grab the weapon from him.

As a result of the measures taken, the identity of the individual who attacked with a knife was established; he is also a resident of Yerevan. Later that same evening, another report was received from the mentioned resident, stating that he had attempted to meet with a person who was said to be sending videos and information to Azerbaijanis, although he did not personally know this individual. According to the report, a conflict arose during the meeting, resulting in bodily injuries.

Based on the first report, the Investigative Committee's Avan and Nor Nork Division has initiated criminal proceedings under part 2 of Article 194 and part 2 of Article 195 of the RA Criminal Code. The second report initiated proceedings under part 1 of Article 171. To facilitate an objective and comprehensive investigation, both cases have been combined into one proceeding for joint examination.

Both individuals who submitted reports have been subjected to forensic medical examinations. The preliminary investigation continues, and all necessary measures will be taken to fully clarify the actual circumstances of the incident and to provide legal assessments of the actions of all persons involved.

No individuals have been arrested in connection with the ongoing proceedings. It should be noted that activist Arthur Chakhoyan was recently assaulted. In a video published on Facebook, Chakhoyan claimed that he was attacked by three individuals who used violence against him. “Call the police right now, this Turk and two guys came and attacked me, they beat me up, and here’s the knife they had. Who sent you, was it Avinyan? Are you pulling a knife on me?” Chakhoyan was heard saying.

The incident has been commented on by the newly elected mayor of Yerevan, Tigran Avinyan.