Podcast co-hosts Narek Samsonyan and Vazgen Saghatelyan detained on hooliganism charges

Investigative actions have been carried out in the homes of “Imnemnimi” podcast co-hosts Narek Samsonyan and Vazgen Saghatelyan as part of a criminal case initiated under the article of hooliganism.

On the morning of November 13, Vazgen Saghatelyan wrote on his Facebook page that masked law enforcement officers had entered his home. Shortly afterward, lawyer Ruben Melikyan reported that masked officers were also conducting a search at Narek Samsonyan’s residence. Melikyan later confirmed that Samsonyan had been detained and taken to the Investigative Committee. Videos circulating online indicate that Saghatelyan was also detained and taken to the Committee.

Later in the day, Speaker of the National Assembly Alen Simonyan confirmed that he had filed a complaint with law enforcement authorities against Samsonyan and Saghatelyan, citing offensive remarks and threats made against him during an episode of the “Imnemnimi” podcast.

“The most important thing is that beyond emotions, insults, or slander, there is a criminal component when you threaten someone. That’s exactly what this is about,” Simonyan told reporters. “Yes, those who engage in hooliganism or make threats will be punished by law. There’s nothing surprising about it — we’re building a society where people don’t stab each other,” he said.

The Speaker emphasized that any citizen subjected to threats or violence should turn to law enforcement. “I couldn’t refrain from doing so. I have applied, and I was right to do so. What else should I have done?” Simonyan added.