Special Investigative Service of Armenia opens criminal case into obstruction of journalistic work
Special Investigative Service of Armenia (SIS) opened a criminal case into the facts about obstruction of professional activity of reporters during the events on Bagramyan Avenue in Yerevan on the night of June 23, Panorama.am learned from SIS.
Media reports, videos, and a letter by Arthur Sakunts - Director of Helsinki Citizens’ Assembly Vanadzor Office – about instances of journalistic work obstruction on Bagramyan Avenue on the night of June 23, were earlier filed to SIS by Armenian Prosecutor Office’s Department for Cases of Particular Importance.
The criminal case has been opened under Article 309 part 2, Article 164 part 2, and Article 185 part 1 of the Criminal Code of Armenia.
On Tuesday morning, June 23, the police used water cannons against demonstrators blocking Bagramyan Avenue in downtown Yerevan. Prior to that, the police urged demonstrators to leave Bagramyan Avenue and return to Liberty Square so that normal traffic could resume. Over 200 people, including reporters, were detained and taken to police stations. 25 people sought emergency first aid, according to Armenian Health Ministry. Following the events on Bagramyan Avenue, the Office of Armenian Prosecutor General opened a criminal case into hooliganism.