Three Individuals Arrested in Connection to Financial Incentives for Participation in Rallies

The Investigative Committee of the Republic of Armenia reports that members of a registered political party have provided financial incentives to other citizens to participate in public gatherings through a number of individuals. It is known that three persons have been arrested within the framework of this investigation.

The Committee has provided details, stating that based on a recording that was published on social media by one media outlet under the title “Members of the ARF Continue to Bring People for Money,” a criminal case has been initiated. Specifically, on August 25, 2022, a criminal case was launched under Part 2 of Article 236 of the Armenian Criminal Code (coercion to participate in a legal or illegal gathering).

“The preliminary investigation has obtained factual data that a telephone conversation occurred in the Ararat region from June 20 to June 30, 2022, between 67-year-old resident G.M. of the community of Vedi and 56-year-old resident A.M., a member of the Artashat Enlarged Community Council,” the statement indicates.

It is emphasized that searches were conducted on January 11, 2023, in the residences of several individuals potentially connected to this process, based on appropriate court orders, as well as other investigative and procedural actions.

“During the search, dozens of documents with the note ‘Armenia Alliance’ were seized, containing personal and passport information, signatures, polling places, as well as information related to receiving or refusing money,” the statement added.

Earlier, it was reported that law enforcement officers conducted searches in the homes of ARF Ararat Regional Committee representative Gerasim Vardanyan and other ARF members.