Vanadzor Murder Case Suspect Confronted with Police Officer Who Tortured Him

Karen Kungortsev, who is charged with the murder of 15-year old Davit Hovakimyan in a scandalous murder case, is now involved in a criminal case related to his being tortured by police. The Special Investigative Service (SIS) has initiated a criminal case based on RA Criminal Code article 309.2, “actions willfully committed by an official which obviously exceed his authorities committed with violence, weapons, or special measures”. In an interview with Epress.am, The Helsinki Association for Human Rights NGO president Mikayel Danielyan discussed the fact that their organization had been raising the issue of Kungortsev's torture for over a year, however no entity gave any attention to it.

“According to our reliable information, a confrontation has already taken place between Kungortsev and a high-ranking police official in order to clarify the fact of Kungortsev’s torture. The police official was one of the officers who beat Kungortsev. Other investigative processes also occurred, various people, connected to Kungortsev’s beating and the attempt to frame him, were questioned,” said Danielyan.

According to the latter, when the preliminary investigation of the case ended and it was handed over to the courts for trial process, it became clear that Kungortsev's rights, as well as those of multiple other witnesses, mostly minors, have been grossly violated 

“Despite the fact that the investigation of the case is still ongoing, it is already clear that the charge against Kungortsev is obviously baseless, and he is imprisoned instead of someone else,” stated the Helsinki Association’s director. 

Recall, Karen Kungortsev does not admit guilt, and human rights defenders and his attorney indicate violations recorded during the preliminary investigations.

While behind bars, the accused has resorted to self harm, as well as beginning a hunger strike. His mother said that her son was beaten by police while under police custody and forced to confess.

The charges against Kungortsev were changed from murder to attempted murder last August. At the same time, the investigation accused and detained Vanadzor Medical Center company doctor Vladimir Ghukasyan for unfair treatment and improper implementation of professional duties.