Infamous Chakhalyan has Beaten Elderly People During Petition Campaign Against Istanbul Convention

Members of the “Kamq” initiative waging a campaign against the Istanbul Convention to Combat Domestic Violence, inflicted physical violence against residents of Spitak town on September 6, 2019 headed by their founder Vahagn Chakhalyan. A criminal investigation commenced. The victims of the assault, however, are dissatisfied with the results of the investigation contending that the investigator on the matter has been biased and was not exerting efforts to carry out an objective investigation. 

As reported by Helsinki Citizen’s Assembly of Vanadzor (HCAV) human rights organization, Vahagn Chackalyan, founder of “Kamq” Initiative and his fellows were on their petition campaign in Spitak town, collecting signatures near Spitak Culture House on September 6, 2019.

During their action, they attempted to persuade two women who did not wish to join the petition. Another resident of the town, 75-year-old Hrachik Tumanyan intervened and asked them why they were forcing the women to sign if they did not wish to do so. In response, Vahagn Chakhalyan insulted the old man, calling him “stupid” and punched him in the face. Another elderly man, Rudik Darchinyan aged 70 also received kicks in the head due to which he developed hearing problems.

The victims insist that Argishti Tonoyan, senior investigator of particularly important cases of Spitak Investigative Department, is biased and was not enthusiastic to carry out an objective investigation. They fear that repeated face-to-face interrogations aimed at retrieving new evidence in reality pursued the aim to have the earlier testimonies changed. In the end, the criminal investigation closed after 5 months due to “lack of criminal evidence”, a reason for their dissatisfaction with the handling of the case.