Investigative Committee Clarifies Incident at Shengavit Investigation Division

On April 19, a video was posted on the Facebook social network by a lawyer showing an individual being taken to an ambulance from the administrative building of the Shengavit investigation division of the Investigative Committee of the Republic of Armenia in Yerevan. The accompanying message claimed that the individual had suffered torture in the mentioned investigative division, which does not correspond to reality. The characterization provided in the post is an unacceptable attempt to distort the truth and discredit the work of law enforcement agencies.

Given the necessity to protect the public from being misled by such manipulative tactics and distortion of facts, we announce the following. On April 3, 2024, masked and armed individuals attempted to commit robbery at the “Haypost” branch located on Bagratuni Street. As part of the initiated criminal proceedings, G.M. was summoned to the Shengavit investigation division of the Investigative Committee for the purpose of participating as a witness in the relevant investigative actions, and he appeared with a lawyer.

To determine the DNA profile of an object left at the crime scene by the perpetrator, the investigator decided to obtain a sample from G.M. for forensic analysis. However, G.M. refused to provide samples. In this situation, the investigative body decided to seize the clothing worn by G.M. to ensure the normal course of the investigative action. In accordance with Article 210 of the Criminal Procedure Code of the Republic of Armenia, employees of the investigation were involved in its execution.

During the performance of this investigative action, G.M. made erratic movements with his hands and feet, attempting to obstruct the examination, and subsequently struck his forehead against the desk three times. Later, claiming he felt unwell, he requested that a doctor be called, which was done. The arriving emergency medical staff transported G.M. to a medical facility.

Considering that G.M.'s aforementioned actions exhibit characteristics of obstructing the proceedings under the first part of Article 486 of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Armenia (interference with the administration of justice or court proceedings), a criminal proceeding has been initiated. G.M. was arrested based on reasonable suspicion of committing a criminal act and presented to the investigative body.

Claims that G.M. was subjected to torture have no factual basis. Other circumstances will be clarified during the preliminary investigation.

Notice: A person accused of a crime is considered innocent until proven guilty in accordance with the procedure established by the Criminal Procedure Code of the Republic of Armenia, by a legally binding court verdict.