Investigation into Samvel Vardanyan's Case Concluded, Two Contradictory Charges Filed

According to the newspaper 'Zhoghovurd', the investigation into the case of Samvel Vardanyan, who engaged in a dispute with MP Hakob Aslanyan in a minibus, has been declared concluded. This information was also confirmed by his lawyer, Varazdat Harutyunyan, during a conversation with us.

The Investigative Committee has charged Vardanyan with two contradictory features: charges related to hooliganism and the dissemination of hate speech using information technology. He is currently under house arrest.

However, in another controversial case, progress seems to be stalled, or perhaps law enforcement agencies are not inclined to demonstrate diligence. Following the incident with MP Hakob Aslanyan in public transport, the detained young man informed visiting parliamentarians and attorneys that he had been subjected to violence while being transferred to the detention facility under police escort on the night of April 15.

Specifically, 4-5 masked individuals approached the police vehicle (during which time the officers had stepped away to attend to their natural needs), brutally beat Samvel Vardanyan, pulled down his pants, and spat on him.

As a result, based on an inquiry from MP Taguhi Tovmasyan regarding the violence, a criminal case has been initiated at the Investigative Committee of the Republic of Armenia for the torture perpetrated by a group of individuals (Article 450, Part 2, Point 7 of the Criminal Code). This case has yet to be resolved.