Three Criminal Cases Initiated Following Gunfire Incidents on July 14

On July 14, 2020, three criminal cases were initiated in the Tavush regional investigative department of Armenia's Investigative Committee concerning gunfire incidents by the adversary, motivated by national hatred, in a manner endangering many lives, unlawfully, deliberately intending to kill and intentionally destroy property.

Specifically, on July 14, 2020, around 10:15 AM, shots were fired from the adversary's military positions adjacent to the Berd community of Tavush region towards the cognac factory in Berd city, endangering many lives and deliberately intending to destroy property. As a result, an enamelled container of the factory was damaged, and the glass windows of the buildings were shattered. Fortunately, the employees of the cognac factory managed to seek shelter, and the crime was not completed.

A criminal case has been initiated under parts 6, 13 of Article 34-104 (attempted murder) and parts 1 and 4 of Article 185 (intentional destruction or damage to property) of the RA Criminal Code.

From 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM on July 14, 2020, shots were fired from the adversary's military positions adjacent to the Aygepar village towards the houses of 7 residents, also motivated by national hatred. This gunfire was similarly intended to endanger lives and destroy property. Although the crime was not completed, the external walls, windows, and roofs of the mentioned houses were severely damaged.

A criminal case has also been initiated under the same articles of the RA Criminal Code.

Additionally, from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM on July 14, gunfire was directed towards the cemetery of the Tavush village in the Berd community, with the intent to intentionally destroy property. As a result, a gravestone of a deceased resident from 1990 and a 3-meter long supporting wall of the grave were damaged due to an explosion.

A criminal case has been opened regarding this incident under parts 1 and 4 of Article 185 of the RA Criminal Code.

The investigations are ongoing for the aforementioned criminal cases.