Criminal Case Opened for Violence Against Representatives of Authority by a Group of Individuals

The Gegharkunik Regional Investigative Department of the Republic of Armenia’s Investigative Committee is conducting an inquiry to determine all the circumstances surrounding a case of hooliganism combined with showing resistance to representatives of authority and violence against them.

On September 24, 2020, officers from the Gegharkunik Regional Directorate of the Republic of Armenia Police were carrying out duties on the road section adjacent to the community of Dzovakghyugh, along the Yerevan-Sevan-Ijevan highway, to ensure public order and safety while carrying out necessary work at the 'Dzovakghyugh' gas distribution station and surrounding area as part of a program to reduce gas losses in the gas transportation system of 'Gazprom Armenia' LLC.

During this time, the head of the Dzovakghyugh community, upon learning about the ongoing work, arrived at the site with approximately 30-50 individuals and openly obstructed the work, grossly violating public order with hooligan intent, and threatened an employee of 'Gazprom Armenia' LLC. Furthermore, these individuals insulted and physically confronted the employees of the LLC and the Police, during which they struck and broke the rear windshield of a 'Belarus MTZ-82' tractor belonging to the company.

Attempting to halt the anti-social actions were the police officers on duty; however, one participant in the incident committed non-life-threatening violence by punching the head of the Gavar Police Division near the left eye, causing bodily injury, while the community head insulted and attempted to strike the head of the Martuni Police Division, actions which were prevented by police forces.

Following this incident, a criminal case has been opened in the Gegharkunik Regional Investigative Department of the Republic of Armenia’s Investigative Committee based on Article 258 (hooliganism) parts 1 and 2, and Article 316 (violence against a representative of authority) part 1 of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Armenia. Immediate investigative and other procedural activities have been undertaken, including interviews.

For the purpose of clarifying significant circumstances of the criminal case, forensic medical and forensic expert examinations have been appointed. Measures are being implemented to clarify all circumstances of the event, identify all participants of the incident, individualize their actions, and provide a legal assessment of them. The preliminary investigation continues.