Publication: The Criminal Case Involving the Catholicos's Nephew Has Been Reopened

The newspaper 'Publication' reports that on February 19, 2018, a high-profile incident occurred in Echmiadzin involving the nephew of the Catholicos. According to the publication, Hambardzum Nersisyan, the nephew of Garegin II, attempted to kidnap and beat Echmiadzin resident Rafael Mkrtchyan through his associates. The motive was reportedly over a sum exceeding 3 million drams, which, according to participants, had been embezzled by Mkrtchyan from a gas station owned by the Catholicos's nephew.

As a result of the uproar raised by the publication, a criminal case was filed under Article 322 of the Criminal Code for self-justice, which was later dismissed. We learned yesterday that authorities have reopened this case, and a vigorous investigation is currently underway, with unknown outcomes. It is evident that this investigation will constrain Garegin II's actions and make him even more manageable.