Video: Reported Threat of Death to Self and 10 Others; Investigation into Masis Incident

The Investigative Committee of the Republic of Armenia is conducting investigative and procedural actions in connection with the criminal case initiated in the Masis investigative division of the Ararat regional investigative administration, aimed at clarifying the circumstances of a terrorist incident that occurred in the Masis city hall. This information was provided to News.am by the Investigative Committee of Armenia.

On August 15, 2022, at around 17:40, a report was received from the operational management center of the Police of Armenia informing that a 36-year-old resident of Masis had reported having a problem with a group of officials from the same city, adding that he might die shortly along with 10 others. Later, around 21:20 on the same day, the same man went to the administrative building of the Masis municipality, parked his car in front of the entrance, pushed the guard while entering, yelled obscenities, and ascended to the 4th floor of the building, from where he threw a grenade outside and fired two shots.

As part of the measures taken by the Police of Armenia to neutralize the man, at around 00:30 on August 20, 2022, the body of the 36-year-old man was found in the mayor's office located on the 4th floor of the Masis municipality, with gunshot wounds to the temporal region of the head.

The examination of the crime scene revealed an explosion site and vehicles of "Mazda" and "Renault" brands with shrapnel damage located in the area in front of the administrative building of the municipality.

A criminal case has also been initiated concerning the act of inciting the man to commit suicide, which has been merged with the aforementioned criminal case. During the preliminary investigation, interrogations, seizures, and examinations have been conducted. The preliminary investigation continues.

Notice: The suspect or accused in the alleged crime is considered innocent until proven guilty in accordance with the procedure established by the Criminal Procedure Code of the Republic of Armenia by a legally binding court verdict.