Armenian investigators say seized Dashnak munitions was "combat-ready", reject “safe” claims

The Investigative Committee of Armenia has issued a statement in response to claims made by several media outlets suggesting that the ammunition confiscated from members of the Armenian Revolutionary Federation–Dashnaktsutyun (ARF-D) posed no public threat.

The committee strongly denied these assertions, stating that the munitions were actually a "combat-ready munitions," Caliber.Az reports.

The committee emphasized that a comprehensive forensic investigation — including explosive, ballistic, and chemical analysis — had confirmed that the grenade seized during the morning raids was a live F-1 fragmentation grenade. Additionally, two electric detonators found were also classified as "combat-ready ammunition".

“In light of these findings,” the statement continues, “we call for an end to the harmful practice of spreading disinformation driven by personal or other motives. Disseminating knowingly false information that contradicts the facts of the criminal investigation misleads the public and undermines the legal process.”

The Investigative Committee pledged to continue its work based on the principles of legality and justice, employing all lawful means provided by criminal procedure legislation.

The statement concludes with a firm warning that the committee will respond to any unlawful actions in accordance with the law.

The statement urged individuals and media outlets to refrain from disseminating knowingly false information or attempting to mislead the public for personal or political motives. The agency reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring the investigation proceeds in accordance with the principles of legality and justice, using all tools permitted under Armenia’s criminal procedure code.

Earlier, the Committee had announced the results of large-scale searches conducted at the residences of ARF-D members. These were carried out as part of a criminal case initiated on charges related to the preparation of terrorist acts and the illegal possession and trafficking of firearms, ammunition, and explosives.

According to the official statement, the searches uncovered an electric detonator designed for remote activation, its components, a live F-1 grenade, a fuse, gunpowder, radio communication devices, and other items deemed significant to the investigation.

On July 10 morning, Armenia’s Investigative Committee and National Security Service (NSS) conducted large-scale searches at the residences of several members of the Armenian Revolutionary Federation (ARF Dashnaktsutyun), a prominent opposition party, resulting in the detention of seven individuals, including Taron Manukyan, son of ARF MP Gegham Manukyan.  

A public criminal prosecution has been initiated against one of them under Article 43-308, Part 1 of Armenia’s Criminal Code, which deals with the preparation of terrorist acts.

The searches are the latest escalation in a deepening rift between Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan’s Civil Contract government and opposition groups, particularly the ARF Dashnaktsutyun, which has criticised Pashinyan’s leadership, particularly his foreign policy.

By Khagan Isayev