In the criminal case instituted on the fact of hindering to
the professional activities of the RFE/RL “Azatutyun” radio station reporter
Elina Chilingaryan on May 6, the day of Parliamentary Elections under the
Article 164. 1 of the RA Criminal Code no charges are brought.

This was reported by the investigator of the Erebuni district
investigative service Buniat Eghiazaryan while talking to www.hra.am.  He said that cannot provide with more information
because the investigation is still in process.

As Elina Chilingaryan has informed, a month ago she was told
that there are not enough evidences to bring charges against Hovik
Hambartsumyan who named himself “Vardan” in the video because it is not clearly
visible in that video that he hit the journalist.

To remind, on May 5 Elina Chilingaryan has informed the
Yerevan Police Department that on May 6, at around 11 am near the polling
station 12/32 located in the school number 178 while she was filming,  someone who presented himself as «Vardan» hit
her hand and tried to seize her camera. Later it turned out  his name was Hovik Hambartsumayn.

 “He not just hindered
my professional activities by also tried to intimidate me by using a physical
violence and made an attempt seize my property. His aim was to prevent me from
shooting”, said Elina Chilingaryan to www.hra.am after the incident. 

It is noteworthy that the Article 164. 1 of the RA Criminal
Code, Hindrance to the legal professional activities of a journalist is
punished with a fine in the amount of 50-150 minimal salaries, or correctional
labor for up to 1 year.