A Fake Rumor Circulates About an Imminent Terrorist Attack in Yerevan Schools, Says Papyan

“A fake rumor is circulating on Telegram claiming that a terrorist attack is being prepared in schools in Yerevan. Schools and parents are understandably alarmed,” reported information security expert Arthur Papyan, detailing how to verify that the news is fake.

“It’s very simple; search for the photos circulating on Telegram using Google’s image search, and you will see that the same type of information, utilizing exactly the same photos, was disseminated about Gomel a month ago,” he noted.

Media expert Samvel Martirosyan also addressed the issue in a Facebook post, indicating that alarming statements concerning schools have been circulating on Telegram since yesterday.

“Dear compatriots, since yesterday, there have been quite frightening statements circulating on Telegram regarding schools. I didn’t want to write until the issue was resolved, but panic has already spread. To put it briefly, these statements literally repeat fakes that circulated in other countries, in numerous other cities, months ago and are doing so right now. The only danger I see is that the noise may provoke someone with malicious intent. But it is concerning that this fake has so quickly caused such horrific panic. Who is behind all this? I suspect special services from other countries engaged in hybrid attacks. Which countries? There are not many suspects; I can list them with 40% certainty with the fingers on my left hand. Forgive me, but I am not physically able to respond to each of you,” Martirosyan wrote.