8 journalists recognized as victims after June 12 protest at Baghramyan-Demirchyan intersection

The preliminary investigation into the criminal proceedings initiated in connection with the mass riots and hooliganism during the protests held at the Baghramyan-Demirchyan intersection in Yerevan on June 12, 2024, continues in the Main Department of Particularly Important Cases of the RA Investigative Committee, the RA Investigative Committee said in a statement.

“As we have already reported, at around 7:30 p.m. on June 12, 2024, a group of protesters, disobeying the legal orders of the police officers preserving public order and the safety of the surrounding critical infrastructure and exerting pressure on the police, tried to break through the police cordon, throwing bottles and various objects in the direction of the police.

In order to prevent further such actions, giving advance warning, the RA police used special measures. However, a group of protesters, again disobeying the legal demands of the police, complementing each other’s actions, showing disrespect toward people, openly disregarding the legal and moral norms, and blatantly ignoring the rules of coexistence, committed acts of hooliganism.

In particular, by disturbing the peace and shouting insults and obscene words at the police officers, they threw stones, sticks, bottles and cigarettes in their direction and broke the metal fences of the adjacent park.

On the basis of the obtained facts, motions were put forward to the prosecutor by the body conducting the proceedings to initiate public criminal prosecution against 15 of the mentioned protesters for committing group hooliganism and against one protester for participating in mass riots. The motions have been approved, and relevant charges have been brought.

Eight of the mentioned defendants are facing pre-trial detention; five defendants were placed under house arrest; two defendants are facing departure prohibition; and administrative controls have been imposed on one defendant.

During the events that took place on June 12 at the Baghramyan-Demirchyan intersection in Yerevan, separate criminal proceedings were taken in the RA Investigative Committee regarding the proportionality and legality of the actions of the police officers performing the duties of public order protection and protection of critical infrastructure. An investigative team has been formed. As part of the preliminary investigation, a number of persons, including eight journalists, have been recognized as victims.

The preliminary investigation into both of the aforementioned proceedings is underway,” reads the statement.

To remind, ABC Media’s journalist Nane Hayrapetyan and cameraman Arman Gharibyan incurred injuries in the clash on Baghramyan Avenue; journalist Aghvan Asoyan and cameraman Edik Malakyan were also injured by the use of stun grenades.

ABC Media’s equipment was also damaged.