Armenia’s Investigative Committee has announced that, within the framework of an ongoing criminal case in Yerevan, investigators have identified “one of the individuals involved in preparing the assassination of the prime minister.”
“Specifically, apparent factual evidence has been obtained indicating that M.M., who has resided in a foreign country since 2024, together with at least four other individuals acting as a group, intended to unlawfully deprive the Prime Minister of Armenia of his life in connection with his political and state activities. To that end, they acquired means and created conditions for the crime. In particular, they obtained clothing and masks to conceal their identities and collected information about the prime minister’s locations and campaign routes, thereby preparing the murder. Subsequently, wearing the clothing and masks, they recorded and distributed a video message addressed to the prime minister, during which threats were made.
In addition, on May 16, 2026, the individuals intercepted data (a video) transmitted during a live broadcast and stored within the system of an internet platform not intended for public use. By publishing the video message, they obstructed election campaigning ahead of the Armenian parliamentary elections scheduled for June 7, 2026,” the statement said.
Public criminal prosecution has been initiated against M.M. under Article 43-155, Part 2, Clauses 1 and 8 of the Criminal Code (preparation for murder committed by a group of persons in connection with the victim’s state and political activities), as well as Article 211, Part 2, Clauses 2 and 5 (obstructing election campaigning by a group of persons through other means).
A detention order has been issued against the suspect.
Earlier, a video circulated online showing several masked individuals holding what appeared to be assault rifles. One of them, speaking in the Artsakh dialect and addressing Pashinyan, said: “Nikol, we’re going to take you out.” Pashinyan later commented on the video, saying: “Look at these punks, they put on masks and think they’re tough guys.” The Investigative Committee had previously stated that most of the individuals involved were located abroad.
