Investigation into Road Closure Incident in Bagratashen Concludes for Four Individuals

The investigation into the criminal case initiated on April 21, 2024, regarding the obstruction of the interstate road by a group of citizens in the Vodkhoz area of the Victory community in the Tavush region of Armenia has concluded for four individuals.

According to the facts gathered through extensive investigative and procedural actions conducted by the Human-Directed Crimes Investigation Department of the Investigative Committee of Armenia, numerous citizens who arrived in the Vodkhoz area raised complaints regarding border delimitation and demarcation issues. As a result, on April 21, 2024, they blocked the interstate road for an extended period, disrupting the normal flow of traffic.

On the same day, around 15:50, a resident of Ayrium requested that the citizens blocking the road open it, proceeding with his "UAZ" branded vehicle. However, a group of individuals obstructed the vehicle's path. This group, including A.P., H.G., A.A., and V.M., aimed to instill fear in the resident of Ayrium and others wishing to travel through the area, openly violating public order by shouting insults and offensive remarks at the resident and his supporters.

Ignoring the police officers' requests on-site to cease their apparent hooliganistic actions, the individuals attacked the "UAZ" vehicle, striking it multiple times with their hands and feet, damaging various parts of the vehicle and breaking its windshield. Furthermore, one of the individuals used a cutting object to damage one of the tires of the "UAZ" vehicle. This group continued their apparent hooliganistic actions for about 10 minutes, complementing each other's actions until they were interrupted by the intervention of police officers.

Based on the sufficient evidence obtained, the aforementioned four individuals have been charged under Article 297, Part 2, Point 1 of the Criminal Code of Armenia. As a precautionary measure, house arrest has been selected for them.

The investigation has been completed concerning these four defendants, and the materials of the criminal case, along with the indictment, have been sent to the supervising prosecutor for approval and submission to the court. The investigation continues regarding the other individuals involved in the apparent hooliganistic actions. Necessary measures are being taken to identify and locate them, as well as to provide legal assessment to their actions.