On April 15th, there was a confrontation between activist Samvel Vardanyan and CPP police officer Hakob Aslanyan. Violence occurred during this incident, with the opposition movement members resorting to self-defense measures. This is a significant departure from the peaceful protests the opposition had previously been engaged in. The “Haykaz” civic initiative, which promotes non-violent resistance, made this development announcement.

According to the announcement, on April 16th, lawyers Ruben Melikyan and Varazdat Harutyunyan presented documents suggesting that Samvel Vardanyan should be protected by CPP due to the completion of investigative actions. However, the latest events disrupted this process. Individuals wearing masks attacked the lawyers, forcibly entered their vehicle, and drove away, leaving Vardanyan vulnerable. Masked individuals then emerged from the vehicle, assaulted Vardanyan, and carried out actions aimed at destabilizing his security. They then returned to the vehicle and fled the scene.

Afterward, the protectors who were escorting Vardanyan returned to CPP and used aggressive tactics to interrogate him, trying to ascertain what had happened after his official protection was completed.

The presented documents suggest that the violence against Samvel Vardanyan was premeditated and planned by an organized group involved in illegal activities. Their direct involvement poses a direct threat to the safety of every protected individual. This indicates a failure of certain elements within the governing authorities and the overall regime to prevent such situations.

We categorically reject any attempt to resolve political issues through violent means. We demand that the legal system thoroughly investigate the documents presented by lawyers Ruben Melikyan and Varazdat Harutyunyan and hold all participants and instigators accountable for their actions. Simultaneously, we call on the Armenian public to remain vigilant and resist any new attempts by the government to engage in political repression. Our country may once again become a hotbed of new protests, highlighting the importance of competent authorities evaluating the seriousness of the situation.

In particular, we request that the President of the Republic of Armenia clarifies the situation by reviewing the documents presented by lawyers Ruben Melikyan and Varazdat Harutyunyan. Based on their legal assessment, we urge the President to instruct the relevant bodies, without delay, to bring all participants and organizers of this violent incident to justice.