54-Year-Old Man Arrested for Violence Against Police During Protest

The investigation into the May 27, 2024 incident at the crossroads of Abovyan and Sayat Nova streets in Yerevan, where police were subjected to violence during a protest executed by the "Tavush for the Homeland" movement, continues at the Investigative Committee of the Republic of Armenia.

The inquiry was initiated following the use of tear gas against police officers who were performing their duties, obstructing their official activities. According to investigative findings, at around 10:30 AM on May 27, a group of citizens conducted protests, blocking the roadway.

Police units from various branches of the Armenian Ministry of Internal Affairs arrived at the scene to legally demand the protesters to clear the road, which was ignored. Among those present was a 54-year-old resident of Yerevan, who was not participating in the disobedience actions.

When a patrol officer approached the demonstrators to perform an administrative arrest within the framework of his legal duties, the 54-year-old man intervened by pulling out a tear gas canister and spraying it in the officer's face, causing harm and thus using violence against him.

The individual was taken to the police station, where a personal search revealed a tear gas canister labeled "Shock." Based on sufficient evidence obtained, the man was charged under Article 452, Part 4 of the Criminal Code of Armenia. A motion was submitted to the court to apply detention as a precautionary measure, which was granted. The investigation is ongoing.

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