IC: Criminal Prosecution Launched for Paying People to Attend Rally

The Investigative Committee reports that during the preliminary investigation of a criminal proceeding initiated in the Yerevan Investigative Department, apparent factual data were obtained that on October 18, 2025, a group of individuals materially interested other persons in participating in a rally supporting Samvel Karapetyan.

"During the preliminary investigation of the criminal proceeding, a public criminal prosecution has been initiated against G.S. under Article 236, Part 2 of the Criminal Code (obstructing or coercing participation in a gathering, as well as materially interesting for the purpose of participating in or refusing to participate in a gathering), against B.S. and H.M. under Article 46-236, Part 2 (aiding and abetting the obstruction or coercion of participation in a gathering, as well as materially interesting for the purpose of participating in or refusing to participate in a gathering).

Detention has been applied as a preventive measure against H.M. The preliminary investigation is ongoing.

The Investigative Committee warns that under Article 236, Part 2 of the Criminal Code, criminal liability is provided for obstructing or coercing participation in a gathering, as well as for materially interesting for the purpose of participating in or refusing to participate in a gathering, which is also punishable by imprisonment for a maximum term of three years.

Taking into account that numerous cases of materially interesting participation in gatherings have been recorded recently, the Investigative Committee urges to demonstrate law-abiding behavior and to refrain from similar criminal manifestations," the statement reads.