Shirak Regional Court convicts journalist Lilit Aghekyan

ArmInfo.  The Shirak Regional Court of General Jurisdiction has convicted investigative journalist Lilit Aghekyan. The defense intends to appeal the verdict. This was  announced by the journalist's lawyer, Zaruhi Postanjyan. "On July 14,  2026, Judge Varsenik Melkonyan of the First Instance Court of General  Jurisdiction of the Shirak Region of the Republic of Armenia  convicted investigative journalist Lilit Aghekyan.

The court sentenced her to one year of restricted freedom under the supervision  of the probation service, during which time the convicted person is  prohibited from changing her place of residence without the consent  of a competent authority. Article 490 of the RA Criminal Code has now  become a 'bludgeon' in the hands of the authorities to restrict  freedom of speech," Postanjyan wrote on her Facebook page.

The lawyer emphasized that this judicial decision, based on gross  violations of the law, will have no legal force and will be subject  to mandatory appeal to a higher court. According to her, such unfair  sentences have a serious "intimidating effect" on society, creating  an atmosphere of fear and silencing journalists and civil society  activists, which is unacceptable in a democratic country. She also  noted that it is noteworthy that police officer Seth Meliksetyan,  recognized as a victim in the criminal case against Lilit Aghekyan,  was allegedly insulted with the words "trash" and "cop."

"Meanwhile, after being recognized as a victim, the police officer  not only did not display the typical psychological depression of  victims, but, on the contrary, he received a promotion and a raise,  gained weight, and became more self-confident than before.

Lilit Aghekyan's legal team emphasizes that this judicial act is yet  another manifestation of illegal interference with freedom of speech,  and is preparing to use all legal means to protect the journalist's  rights and achieve justice," Postanjyan stated.

It should be noted that on May 14, 2025, it became known that a  public criminal prosecution was initiated against Lilit Aghekyan  under Part 1 of Article 297 (hooliganism) (two counts) and Part 2 of  Article 297 (bullying). 489 (contempt of court, expressed in  insulting a judge in connection with the exercise of his official  powers) of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Armenia. She was  arrested for two months. The court then transferred her to  administrative supervision.