Suspect in Armenian foreign minister assault appeals to European Court of Human Rights

Ara Badoyan, the suspect arrested in connection with the assault on Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan, has appealed to the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR), claiming unlawful detention.

According to Report, which cites the Zhohovurd newspaper, the ECHR has taken an interest in the case and requested the Armenian authorities to provide documents and additional information.

The incident occurred on the night of November 10, 2020, amidst mass riots in Yerevan near the buildings of the National Assembly, the government, and government dachas. Rioters stormed the National Assembly building and, upon spotting Mirzoyan's car on the street, dragged the minister out of the vehicle and beat him. As a result, the foreign minister was hospitalized in an unconscious state with numerous fractures and other bodily injuries.

According to the investigation materials, Badoyan joined the rioters who had used violence against the minister, broke through their ranks, approached Mirzoyan, who was already lying on the ground, and kicked him. However, Badoyan denies the charges and believes that the investigation was based on pure speculation.