Gender is Not a Mitigating Circumstance: Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs on the Arrest of Alen Simonian's Daughter-in-Law

Everyone is equal before the law, and gender affiliation is not considered a mitigating circumstance. This was stated today by the Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs, Arpine Sargsyan, during a meeting with journalists, as she commented on the arrest of Ani Gevorgyan, the wife of the brother of NA President Alen Simonian.

She assured that there is no tendency to use arrest as a preventive measure everywhere. According to her, if the act is in accordance with the requirements of the Criminal Procedure Code and the court deems the arrest lawful, then, regardless of the nature of the crime or gender, such a precautionary measure can be applied.

“Alternative preventive measures are actively applied in the country, such as house arrest and administrative supervision,” Sargsyan said.

Recall that on February 1, the Anti-Corruption Court made a decision to arrest Ani Gevorgyan, the wife of Alen Simonian's brother. Previously, 7 people had been arrested at the Ministry of Economy, including Ani Ispiryan, who was dismissed from the position of Deputy Minister of Economy on that day. Law enforcement agencies are investigating two cases related to the manipulation of tenders.

Sargsyan also noted that she has no plans to become a minister. “I hold the position of Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs of Armenia and perform my duties properly,” emphasized Arpine Sargsyan.