Criminal prosecution has been officially launched against police officer Hayk Hakobyan for committing acts of torture. The Armenian Prosecutor General’s Office confirmed that the case was initiated under Article 450, Part 1 of the Criminal Code, Factor.am reports.
According to the Investigative Committee, a criminal case was opened on February 4, 2026. On February 5, the prosecutor initiated public prosecution against the officer.
The Investigative Committee detailed that the proceedings were launched by the General Department for Investigation of Particularly Important Cases, specifically the division handling crimes of torture and abuse of authority involving violence by officials.
“Based on evidence obtained during the preliminary investigation, public prosecution has been initiated against H.H. under torture-related charges: causing severe physical or psychological pain intentionally to obtain information or a confession, either directly or at the direction or consent of an official. A decision has been made to detain the suspect. The investigation is ongoing,” the statement said.
The criminal case began only three days after a video of the incident, posted by journalist Syuzi Badoyan on February 3, drew widespread attention. Human rights activists have expressed concern over the delay, warning that the officer may have had time to influence witnesses.
The video, reportedly filmed in October, shows a police officer hitting, insulting, and humiliating a citizen in an apparent attempt to force a confession. Law enforcement officials have not disclosed the identity of the person who recorded and shared the footage.
