Defendant Accused of Throwing Apple at Pashinyan Doesn't Accept Act as 'Hooliganism': Lawyer

Albert Arstamyan has been charged for throwing an apple towards Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, under the first part of Article 297 of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Armenia. This was reported by his lawyer, Roman Yeritsyan.

"A measure of restraint in the form of a prohibition on leaving has been applied to him. Arstamyan has not denied his actions and has acknowledged that he was the one who threw the apple; however, he expressed disagreement with the classification of the act as hooliganism," Yeritsyan stated.

The investigation is being conducted by a special investigative team.

For the offense in question, the Criminal Code stipulates the following penalties: 1. A fine of up to 1,500,000 AMD, or 2. Community service lasting from 80 to 150 hours, or 3. Restriction of liberty for a maximum of two years, or 4. Short-term imprisonment for a maximum of one month, or 5. Imprisonment for up to two years," Yeritsyan elaborated.