Lawyer: Three individuals in Vedi child molestation case remain  uncharged despite available evidence

ArmInfo. In a case involving the molestation of minors in the town of Vedi, three individuals have yet to be formally charged or designated as  defendants, despite the existence of evidence, as stated by attorney Varduhi Elbakyan  during a press conference on May 6.

According to Elbakyan, despite the testimony of the minors and the  results of forensic medical examinations, the individuals involved  continue to hold the legal status of "witnesses." Specifically, the  case mentions 58-year-old Artur Yeremyan and 65-year-old David  Aynazyan. The name of the third individual was not disclosed during  the press conference. The attorney noted that none of the individuals  have admitted guilt. Furthermore, reports indicate that Aynazyan was  hospitalized following an attempted poisoning. Elbakyan emphasized  that, in her assessment, the inaction of law enforcement agencies  since February when the father of an affected child first filed a  report led to subsequent incidents involving another underage  daughter.

The attorney also reported that a relative (the uncle) of the minors  was detained for 72 hours after attempting to intervene in the  situation independently. Meanwhile, she noted, the individuals who  committed these alleged heinous crimes remain at liberty.

Elbakyan pointed out that proper support from psychologists and  social services was not organized for the minors, despite the  family's vulnerable circumstances. She also pointed out that the  Human Rights Defender (Ombudsman) only responded after several days  of public pressure.

Furthermore, the attorney expressed concern that law enforcement  officials are effectively shifting the burden of proof onto the  victimized children. She indicated that the children are currently in  a severe psychological state, with one child having ceased speaking  entirely.  According to Elbakyan, one of the suspects has a prior  criminal record, having been previously convicted for engaging in  sexual relations with a minor.