11 Individuals Arrested on Suspicion of Materially Inducing Others to Participate in Protests

The Police of the Republic of Armenia has received reports regarding the dissemination of six audio recordings across five different platforms on the social network Facebook. These recordings feature conversations among various individuals pertaining to the "Tavush for the Homeland" initiative, primarily discussing protests organized in Yerevan and other regions of Armenia.

In particular, the recordings include discussions about ensuring organized participation in these protests, providing transportation, allocating funds—referred to as "hats"—to secure attendance, and pooling financial resources from the party to facilitate participation in gatherings. There are also mentions of going to the National Assembly of Armenia, engaging in the final battle, as well as disagreements arising due to the scarcity of allocated funds for attendance at these events.

As a result of operational investigative measures, factual data has been obtained indicating that the conversations recorded took place between May 25 and June 6, 2024, through phone calls and in-person meetings, including a discussion involving a member of the Armenian Revolutionary Federation (ARF) at the ARF's office in Vayk.

The identities of individuals conducting the discussions and others mentioned in the recordings—representatives of ARF's Eghegnadzor territorial structures, party members, and a member of the Supreme Body of the ARF—have also been established.

In relation to this case, a criminal investigation has been initiated at the Vayots Dzor regional investigative department of the Investigative Committee of the Republic of Armenia, based on the features of Article 236, Part 2 of the RA Criminal Code. For an effective and comprehensive investigation, these cases have been consolidated, and an investigative group has been formed.

Within the investigation, the aforementioned recordings have been examined, several individuals have been interrogated, and various investigative and procedural actions have been undertaken. Approximately two dozen addresses in the Vayots Dzor region have been searched, with procedures ongoing, during which items of interest to the investigation have been seized.

Based on the decisions of the conducting authority and grounded suspicion of direct involvement in the aforementioned criminal acts, 11 individuals have been arrested. The investigation is ongoing, and all measures are being taken to clarify the complete circumstances of these cases, identify the full scope of individuals involved in the alleged criminal acts, and provide legal assessments of their actions.