338 reports on election crimes received; 26 criminal cases opened

PanARMENIAN.Net - The Armenian General Prosecutor's Office has received 338 reports on election crimes as of Saturday, June 19, authorities said, with 26 criminal cases opened so far.

The reports include 123 news stories, 91 reports from individuals, two notes from the office of the Human Rights Defender, 65 social media posts and 57 reports based on operative data obtained by the police.

Giving, receiving or mediating electoral bribes, hindering the exercise of the right to vote, forcing to participate in or obstructing campaigning, causing property damage and other crimes were reported, the Prosecutor's Office said.

Criminal cases, meanwhile, were opened to investigate possible cases of electoral fraud and other offenses.

Acting Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan announced on March 18 that Armenia will hold snap parliamentary elections on June 20. The PM came under fire after signing a statement with the Russian and Azerbaijani Presidents to end the war in Nagorno-Karabakh almost 45 days after the start of the military hostilities. Under the deal, the Armenian side was forced to return all the seven regions surrounding Karabakh, having lost a part of Karabakh itself in hostilities.