Hovhannes Tamamyan arrested in connection with March 1 case – Criminal Investigation Department

Hovhannes Tamamyan has been arrested in connection with the March 1, 2008 events, the Criminal Investigation Department reported.

According to the Investigative Committee of Armenia, evidence obtained in criminal proceedings indicates that Tamamyan – then First Deputy Head of the Main Department of Criminal Investigation of the Armenian Police – unlawfully ordered police officers in the early hours of March 1, 2008 to beat E.A., a participant in the rally at Yerevan’s Freedom Square, and take him to the Police Department for Combating Organized Crime.

Investigators state that the officers subsequently exceeded their authority by using violence against E.A., repeatedly striking him on various parts of his body and causing life-threatening serious injuries.

Based on the preliminary investigation, public criminal prosecution has been initiated against Tamamyan under Part 3 of Article 38-309 of the Criminal Code of April 18, 2003 (incitement to abuse of official authority).

On February 25, 2026, Tamamyan was arrested for the purpose of being brought before court. The preliminary investigation is ongoing.