Narek Samsonyan
Charges
Hooliganism using the information and communication technologies (Article 297, part 2 of the Criminal Code of the RA).
Preventive measures
| Type | Period | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Detention | 13 Nov 2025 – 19 Feb 2026 | |
| House arrest | 19 Feb 2026 – 24 Mar 2026 | |
| Administrative supervision | 24 Mar 2026 – ongoing |
Facts and Justification
Narek Samsonyan is persecuted for being complicit in a decriminalized act (insult).
During the podcast, his colleague Vazgen Saghatelyan used profanity in response to the Speaker of the RA National Assembly, Alen Simonyan’s similar profanity towards him.
At the beginning of the podcast, there was a warning that “During the podcast, sharp political criticism is possible (including, in exceptional cases, profanity and indecent expressions)”. Therefore, the manifestation of open disrespect towards society, which is mandatory for the occurrence of ‘hooliganism’, is absent.
Detailed description of the persecution and substantiation of claims are available in the ACPR statement dated 14.11.2025.
Political motives of persecution
● To 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
Vazgen Saghatelyan and Narek Samsonyan were prosecuted on similar charges in 2024 but were acquitted.
On December 11, 2025, the Council of Europe Platform for the Protection of Journalism alerted to the arrest of Vazgen Saghatelyan and Narek Samsonyan and the seizure of media property, demanding clarification.