Investigative Committee Addresses Child Abuse Incident at Little Vedu Kindergarten

The Investigative Committee of Armenia has received a report from the director of the "Zortonk" preschool educational institution in Little Vedu regarding an incident involving the beating of a student by a caregiver in the kindergarten's sleeping area.

The report, dated July 26, 2024, led to the arrest of the mentioned caregiver and prompted the initiation of a criminal case under the 2nd part of Article 196 of the Armenian Criminal Code, which deals with causing physical pain or severe mental suffering to a minor.

The investigative body has decided to detain the caregiver for up to 72 hours based on reasonable suspicion of direct involvement in the alleged crime. An investigation is currently underway to clarify the circumstances of the incident and to provide a legal assessment of the actions taken by the kindergarten staff.

The Investigative Committee will provide necessary information regarding the results of the investigation as permissible. They also urge the public to refrain from disclosing personal information about both the child and the arrested individual, in consideration of the child's best interests and the principle of presumption of innocence.