Incident Overview

On March 15, 2025, in Vanadzor, Armenia, two armed and masked individuals reportedly broke into the apartment of a family displaced from Artsakh, threatening a 28-year-old woman and her young child before stealing the family’s gold jewelry.

Allegations Against Law Enforcement

Following the incident, the victim’s relative, Tigran Ulubabyan—a participant in the Artsakh wars with injuries—accompanied her to the police station to report the crime. However, instead of focusing on apprehending the actual perpetrators, law enforcement officers allegedly detained Ulubabyan without legal grounds, pressuring him to confess to the robbery. He claims to have endured physical and verbal abuse during his approximately seven-hour detention.

Public Response and Legal Actions

On March 19, supporters organized a protest in front of the Investigative Committee building in Yerevan, demanding justice for Ulubabyan. His lawyer, Roman Yeritsyan, reported that while they met with committee representatives, the officers involved in the alleged assault have not yet been identified. Officials suggested an additional interrogation but rejected the option of having Ulubabyan identify the officers individually. ​

Official Investigation

The Investigative Committee has initiated a criminal investigation into the incident under Article 450, Part 2, Subsection 7 of the Criminal Code. Kim Avdalyan, spokesperson for the committee, confirmed the investigation, stating it was based on a report received from the Prosecutor’s Office.

Government Response

Minister of Internal Affairs Arpine Sargsyan addressed the allegations, emphasizing the need for a thorough investigation. She noted that if Ulubabyan had been intensely beaten by multiple officers, medical reports should reflect more severe injuries. Sargsyan highlighted the importance of an objective investigation to protect the rights of both citizens and law enforcement officers, depending on the findings. ​

Human Rights Concerns

Human rights defenders have expressed alarm over the incident, calling for an independent, unbiased, and public investigation. They emphasize that such cases, if unaddressed, could perpetuate a culture of impunity within law enforcement agencies. ​Conclusion

The allegations of police misconduct in Vanadzor have sparked significant public outcry and highlight concerns about law enforcement practices in Armenia. A transparent and thorough investigation is essential to uphold justice and maintain public trust in legal institutions.