Davit Minasyan
Charges
Hooliganism and interfering with the lawful service or political activity of the official (Article 297, part 1 and Article 452, part 3 of the Criminal Code of the RA).
Preventive measures
| Type | Period | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Detention | 29 Mar 2026 – 14 Apr 2026 | |
| Travel ban | 14 Apr 2026 – ongoing |
Facts and Justification
The incident of March 29 at St. Anna Church was triggered when RA Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan’s security detail pushed D. Minasyan to clear a path for Pashinyan. This circumstance demonstrates that the incident was not planned by the defendants. After being pushed, D. Minasyan swung his open hand toward the security guard (attempting to strike him). A few moments later, one of N. Pashinyan’s security guards punched D. Minasyan.
The charge of “hooliganism” implies a manifestation of open disrespect towards society, which was absent in D. Minasyan’s actions. Given the context of the incident, D. Minasyan’s attempted strike should not entail criminal liability, as according to Article 16, Part 2 of the Criminal Code of the RA, “an act is not considered a crime if, although formally containing elements provided for by the Special Part of this Code, due to its minor degree of public danger, it has not caused and could not have caused substantial harm to a physical or legal entity, society, or the state.”
A detailed description of the incident and substantiation of claims are available in the ACPR statement dated 03.04.2026.
Political motives of persecution
● Limit, reduce or hinder his/her or other persons’ political speech, as well as to force them to change (censor) their political speech and behavior, including criticism.
● To punish for political speech, behavior or beliefs.
Additional information
His brother, Mikayel Garegin Minasyan (abettor), and Gevorg Aleksandr Gevorgyan (organizer) are also defendants in the same case.