Video: Arrests Made in Connection with Terrorist Acts Near Gurgen Melkonyan's Residence and QP Office

As part of a criminal investigation led by the Main Investigative Department for Crimes Against the State, Constitutional Order, and Public Safety of the RA Investigative Committee, a significant number of investigative and covert operations have been carried out in collaboration with various units of the RA National Security Service and the RA Police. This resulted in the revelation of two terrorist incidents organized in Yerevan in February 2024.

Investigative data have shown that a citizen of Armenia, G.S., along with unidentified individuals, held anti-government views and ideological enmity towards the current authorities in Armenia. They organized acts of terrorism on February 10, 2024, at 143/1 Noy District, Yerevan, and on February 20, 2024, at 30/3 and 33 Gulbenkian, Yerevan.

The purpose of these acts was to intimidate the population, destabilize the functioning of public authorities, and coerce Gurgen Melkonyan, a member of the National Assembly and a representative of the “Civil Contract” faction, into refraining from political statements and positions. This included an intention to compel public authorities to avoid specific policy resolutions related to both internal and external matters.

On February 10, G.S. transferred a homemade explosive device, loaded with a type of TATP explosive material, to A.G. and E.P., explaining how to operate it. They then headed to the predetermined address in the Noy District of Yerevan, where E.P. threw the device over the fence, believing the house belonged to Gurgen Melkonyan. At 04:30:02 on that day, the explosion occurred, posing a significant danger to civilian lives and causing substantial property damage to the owner of the house, A.B.

Additionally, V.H., orchestrated by G.S. and others, aimed to intimidate the population, specifically the members and supporters of the “Civil Contract” party, and compel them to abandon their political positions. On February 20, V.H. placed a homemade explosive device near the office of the “Unified Labor Party” situated at 33 Gulbenkian at 03:50, which was equipped with approximately 1 kilogram of TNT and contained elements designed for severe destruction.

Simultaneously, V.H. set another explosive device at the entrance of the “Civil Contract” regional office at 30/3 Gulbenkian, creating an actual threat of explosion and arson, serious bodily harm to civilians, and substantial property damage. However, these devices did not detonate due to miscalculation in their activation mechanism.

A criminal prosecution has been initiated against four individuals for these actions, including terrorism under various articles of the RA Criminal Code. Two of them are detained while the other two are arrested. The investigation continues.