Suspect Charged in Connection with the Death of Journalist Arpine Jagharyan in Debed River

Varduhi Ananyan has been charged for her role as the director of "Visit Lori" LLC and the responsible person for conducting instructions during a rafting service organized on the Debed River. She is accused of involving amateur personnel as team members without appointing an accountable person as required by regulations, and failing to conduct training and instructions. As a result, on May 9, 2022, at approximately 15:30, during rafting on the section of the Debed River near the Kobarj-Sanahin station, Arpine Jagharyan hit a rock and fell into the river, leading to her drowning.

The case is currently in court and under investigation, according to ArmLur.am. On November 23, 2023, the Investigative Committee announced that a criminal investigation had been launched and charges filed against the director of the rafting company related to the circumstances of Jagharyan's death. It was noted that during the rafting event, proper procedures were not followed, including failing to provide written training and instructions on safety requirements before Jagharyan's rafting experience, as well as not conducting a knowledge check and briefing regarding the safety instructions.