Investigation Underway to Clarify Circumstances of Incident in Kiran

The Investigative Committee of Armenia is conducting an inquiry to clarify the circumstances of the incident that took place in the village of Kiran, Tavush Province, on April 26, 2024.

According to a report from the police, on April 26, 2024, at 21:00, a group of individuals blocked the road at the entrance of the community of Kiran and did not comply with the police’s legal demands to clear the way. Chaos ensued in the area during which the sounds of explosions were heard and tires were set on fire.

Unidentified individuals assaulted police officers and shouted sexual insults at them, grossly violating public order and displaying a blatant disregard for societal, legal, and moral norms. During this time, they threw stones at the police, resulting in injuries of varying degrees to two officers, who were subsequently transported to the Ijevan medical center.

In connection with this incident, on April 27, 2024, the Tavush regional investigative department of the Investigative Committee of Armenia initiated a criminal case based on part 1 of Article 297 and part 3 of Article 452 of the Criminal Code of Armenia.

On April 27, 2024, at 01:41, a report was received from the Ijevan medical center stating that during the ongoing action in Kiran, three civilians were transported to medical assistance due to injuries sustained from the actions of the police officers. A criminal case was also initiated the same day based on part 1 of Article 441 of the Criminal Code (Abuse of office powers by a public official or exceeding authority).

Considering that the aforementioned offenses occurred simultaneously and in the same location, the initiated criminal cases have been consolidated to ensure a thorough and comprehensive investigation.

Notice: A person accused of a crime is presumed innocent until proven guilty in accordance with the procedure established by the Criminal Procedure Code of Armenia, by a court decision that has entered into legal force.