Recording: 20 Residents of Vardenis Brought to Yerevan for a Rally for Money

The Police of Armenia has received a report regarding a voice recording circulated on the Telegram channel "New Armenia Blog" titled "Lankaran residents are recruiting people for money to participate in the rally on May 26." In the recording, two individuals discuss ways to financially incentivize others to attend the event.

As a result, the Investigative Committee of Armenia has initiated a criminal case in the Gegharkunik regional investigative department under part 2 of Article 236 of the Criminal Code of Armenia.

According to obtained information, the phone conversations published in the recording took place between May 22 and 23, 2024, between two identified individuals. They discussed arrangements to transport 15-20 residents of the Vardenis region to Yerevan on May 26 to participate in the rally at Republic Square, covering their accommodation and food expenses, as well as the amounts of money to be provided to them.

Based on reasonable suspicion of a crime being committed, one of the aforementioned individuals has been arrested. An investigation is underway to clarify the circumstances of the case, identify all individuals involved, and provide legal assessment of their actions.