Armenian investigators launched criminal proceedings after intelligence warned of pressure on citizens abroad and possible interference in upcoming elections.
Armenia’s Foreign Intelligence Service issued a statement on March 10 about pressure exerted on Armenian citizens in another country and possible interference in upcoming electoral processes. Based on a crime report received from the Interior Ministry, criminal proceedings have been initiated, the Investigative Committee said.
It was established that during operational and intelligence activities, factual data were obtained indicating that leaders, officials, or other actors of certain political parties operating in Armenia’s political field had obstructed the free exercise of individuals’ electoral rights by offering material incentives.
In particular, it was reported that various actors presenting themselves on behalf of another country’s special services — including major business figures from that country, leaders of the Armenian community, and criminal authorities — exerted pressure on ethnic Armenians who are citizens of Armenia but conduct economic activity in that country. They were urged to support political parties that have applied to participate in the upcoming parliamentary elections in Armenia.
According to preliminary data, in return they were promised assistance with organizing their travel from the other country to Armenia under various pretexts, reimbursement of travel expenses, and coverage of accommodation costs during their stay in Armenia. By using material or other forms of dependency, individuals were allegedly compelled to participate in the elections.
In connection with the incident, the Department for Investigation of General and Electoral Crimes within the Main Directorate for Investigation of Particularly Important Cases of Armenia’s Investigative Committee has initiated criminal proceedings under Article 210, Part 2, Clauses 3 and 6 of the Criminal Code — obstructing the exercise of electoral or referendum rights by a group of persons acting by prior agreement through material inducement — as well as Article 210, Part 3, Clause 3, which concerns coercing a person to vote in a particular way, participate in or refuse participation in elections or a referendum, or vote more than once or on behalf of another person by exploiting material or other dependence.
Necessary evidentiary and procedural measures have been carried out to clarify all circumstances of the case and ensure the principle of inevitability of criminal responsibility.
Armenia’s Investigative Committee urged individuals to refrain from interfering with citizens’ free expression of electoral will and warned that all legal instruments will be used to prevent and neutralize potential criminal manifestations.
Notice: A person accused of a crime is presumed innocent until proven guilty by a court verdict that has entered into legal force in accordance with the Criminal Procedure Code.
