Criminal Charges Filed Against Head of Armenian Police Department for Coercion with Batons and Gas Masks

On November 22, 2019, the Office of the Prosecutor General of Armenia submitted materials to the Special Investigative Service regarding apparent abuses by public officials, as per Articles 180-181 of the Armenian Criminal Procedure Code. This was initiated following a publication titled "Local Police Coerce Confessions with Batons and Gas Masks," dated November 21, 2019, and a related video on the NewsMedia.am website, alongside a letter from the Human Rights Defender of Armenia.

According to the information released by the Prosecutor General's press service, on November 23, 2019, a criminal case was initiated at the Special Investigative Service under part 2 of Article 309 of the Criminal Code. During the investigation, the identity of the individual purportedly subjected to violence was established, and he was recognized as a victim in the case.

Through a comprehensive, complete, and objective investigation, sufficient evidence was gathered which led to the decision to involve N. S., the head of the Chambarak division of the Armenian Police, as an accused under part 2 of Article 309 of the Criminal Code (it should be noted that Article 309.1 was not yet in effect at the time of the alleged crime). N. S. is accused of having committed acts of violence and used special means while serving as a senior operative at the Arabkir division of the Yerevan Police from February 2007 to May 2010, in a manner that clearly exceeded the scope of his powers.

In particular, in early November 2008, in the office of the head of the Criminal Investigation Department of the same division, V. N., and other employees, N. S. interrogated A. M., who had been detained on suspicion of attempting to commit burglary. After A. M. denied any involvement in the case, he was taken to V. N.'s office approximately five times until the following morning, where he was subjected to physical violence by a group of officials. A. M. was brutally forced to confess to the attempted burglary, physically thrown to the ground, subjected to gas masks on his head, and struck with hands and batons on various parts of his body, causing him physical pain.

The actions of N. S., which amounted to the use of apparent violence while exceeding his official powers, caused significant harm to A. M.'s rights and legal interests. Subjected to violence, A. M. experienced inhumane, degrading, and brutal treatment.

The investigation continues under proper prosecutorial oversight, ensuring a comprehensive, complete, and objective examination of all circumstances of the case, to clarify all aspects and provide a legal assessment of the actions of all individuals allegedly involved in the crime.

Notice: The suspect or accused in the alleged crime is presumed innocent until proven guilty in accordance with the law, by a legally binding court decision.