Probe Launched After Claim By Top Investigator Against Pro-Government Lawmaker

Argishti Kyaramian, the head of the Investigative Committee, asserted during a hearing in the National Assembly on October 15 that he was contacted at least twice about a criminal case involving the son of Hovik Aghazarian, a senior lawmaker from Prime Minister Nikol Pashinian’s ruling Civil Contract party. The lawmaker’s son is under investigation for alleged violations in running his car importing business.

“If we are talking about fighting against corruption and nepotism, please answer this question,” Kyaramian said during an acrimonious exchange with Aghazarian.

The Prosecutor-General’s Office told RFE/RL’s Armenian Service late on Monday that criminal proceedings have been initiated by the anti-corruption committee concerning two alleged incidents under part 1 of Article 486 of the Criminal Code (interfering with the administration of justice or investigation).

Aghazarian publicly downplayed the incident in parliament during which he traded insults with Kyaramian after accusing the Investigative Committee of attempting to intimidate citizens with unjustified arrests or threats of arrest. Two other pro-government deputies also criticized Kyaramian during the hearing.

The Civil Contract party signaled no plans to demand the resignation of the controversial head of Armenia’s Investigative Committee after the incident.