Police Colonel Charged in Connection with 'Electric Yerevan' Case

Based on the sufficient evidence obtained during the investigation of the criminal case known as 'Electric Yerevan' by the Special Investigative Service of the Republic of Armenia, charges have been brought against Police Colonel A. A. under part 2 of Article 309 of the RA Criminal Code. The charges stem from his alleged criminal act involving the abuse of power related to his position as Deputy Chief of the appropriate department of the RA Police on June 23, 2015.

According to the charges, during the dispersal of a gathering protesting the increase in electricity tariffs in Yerevan by police officers on June 23, 2015, A. A., along with two other police officers, detained participant Filip Arzumanyan. Exceeding the limits of his official authority, A. A. reportedly struck Arzumanyan twice in the head with his fist, causing significant harm to his rights and legal interests.

The preliminary investigation regarding the separated part of the criminal case against A. A. has been completed. The case has been sent to the supervising prosecutor with an indictment for submission to the court.

It should be noted that during the investigation of the aforementioned criminal case at the Special Investigative Service, sufficient evidence has also been gathered regarding multiple other incidents, leading to charges against four police officers under parts 2 and 1 of Article 164 and part 1 of Article 185 of the RA Criminal Code. The case against them has been sent to court with an accusatory conclusion, and legal verdicts have already been issued against them.

Notice: The suspect or accused in the alleged crime is considered innocent until proven guilty in accordance with the procedures established by the Criminal Procedure Code of the Republic of Armenia, by a legally enforceable court verdict.