We Urge to Refrain from Amateur-Level Analyses on Activities: Special Investigation Service

The Special Investigation Service of Armenia, acting as the body of criminal prosecution and in accordance with the criminal procedure legislation, is authorized to provide information on a criminal case to the extent it deems necessary within the scope of the particular case, taking into account public interest and emphasizing the right of society to receive objective and impartial information. This statement was released by the Special Investigation Service.

Specifically, the statement mentions: “The Television and Radio Commission today issued a statement regarding the video aired during the news program ‘News’ of the Public Television of Armenia titled ‘The Special Investigation Service Presents Details on the Charges Against Hrayr Tovmasyan,’ noting that it ‘shares the viewpoint of the Human Rights Defender that the principle of presumption of innocence was violated in the video’ and ‘registering’ that the primary responsibility for the violation of said principle lies with the Special Investigation Service.

In this regard, we find it necessary to note that the Special Investigation Service of Armenia, acting as the body of criminal prosecution and in accordance with the criminal procedure legislation, is authorized to provide information on a criminal case to the extent it deems necessary within the scope of the particular case, based on public interest and emphasizing the right of society to receive objective and impartial information. Voicing such a position cannot in any way be considered a violation of the principle of presumption of innocence.

Moreover, according to Article 201 of the Armenian Criminal Procedure Code, preliminary investigation data can only be published with the permission of the body conducting the proceedings, which is present in this case. This means that sufficient evidence has been provided to the media in strict compliance with the procedures established by the Armenian Criminal Procedure Code, based on which charges have already been brought against the individual.

Taking into account the above and acknowledging that evaluating the activities of the Special Investigation Service is outside the jurisdiction of the Television and Radio Commission, we urge all to refrain from amateur-level legal analyses regarding criminal cases and the activities of the Special Investigation Service in general.