Charges Filed Against 23 Individuals in Gavar Incident

The Investigative Committee of Armenia's main special cases division is continuing extensive investigative and procedural activities regarding the criminal case of the shootings leading to the deaths of two individuals and injury to four others in Gavar. This was reported by the information and public relations department of the Armenian Investigative Committee.

Based on an adequate combination of evidence gathered in this case, charges have been filed against 23 individuals as of now, with a decision made to arrest four of them. One of those charged faces accusations under Article 34-104 (attempted murder) of the Armenian Criminal Code, specifically points 6 and 7 of the second part, as well as Article 235 (illegal acquisition, sale, storage, transportation, or carrying of weapons, military ammunition, explosive substances, or explosive devices) of the first part due to attempts of murder during the incident on Freedom Street in Gavar. This individual has been detained.

Furthermore, through large-scale investigative and procedural activities, as well as operational intelligence measures, ten vehicles linked to the individuals involved in the incident and gunfire have been located and searched, leading to the appointment of a series of expert evaluations.

Additionally, two weapons found with the involved individuals during the incident have been identified, and expert examinations have been designated for them as well.

The criminal cases regarding the above incidents have been initiated under Article 104 (murder) of the second part, point 6; Article 235 (acquisition, sale, storage, transportation, or carrying of weapons, military ammunition, explosive substances, or explosive devices) of the first part; Article 34-104 (attempted murder) of the second part, points 1 and 7; Article 185 (intentional destruction or damage to property) of the first part; and Article 225 (mass riots) of the second part, which have been consolidated into one proceeding. The preliminary investigation is being carried out by a group of investigators from the main special cases division and the Gegharkunik regional investigation department as assigned by the chairman of the Investigative Committee of Armenia.

The preliminary investigation is ongoing, and the Investigative Committee will periodically provide information on the procedural decisions made based on the evidence gathered. An individual suspected of or charged with a crime is presumed innocent until proven guilty in accordance with the procedure established by the Criminal Procedure Code of Armenia through a court verdict that has entered into legal force.