Criminal case launched over Simonyan dispute

PanARMENIAN.Net - A criminal case has been launched against Mikael Margaryan, who was involved in a dispute with National Assembly Speaker Alen Simonyan, under charges of hooliganism, Armenia’s Investigative Committee said.

According to the report received from the police, Margaryan used information and communication technologies to carry out hooligan actions during a livestream, displaying clear disrespect toward society and openly disregarding moral norms by using offensive and obscene language, as reported by «Sputnik Armenia».

Based on this report, criminal proceedings have been initiated under Article 297, Part 2, Clause 3 of Armenia’s Criminal Code (hooliganism committed using information or communication technologies).

A preliminary investigation is underway.

According to media reports, on March 27, searches were conducted at the homes of Arsen Vardanyan and Mikael Margaryan, who were involved in the incident with Simonyan.

On March 26, Alen Simonyan argued with a citizen outside the National Assembly building, with mutual insults exchanged. Two individuals were taken from Demirchyan Street to the Arabkir community police department.