Gyumri, July 16 – Reports circulating online about a mass brawl, stabbing, and widespread disorder on Sayat-Nova Street in Gyumri, which allegedly brought traffic to a standstill and gathered hundreds of people, have been clarified. According to information obtained by “Hraparak” and confirmed by the Ministry of Internal Affairs, no such major incident took place.
What Really Happened on Sayat-Nova Street?
The incident, which occurred yesterday, July 15, was in reality a minor dispute between two citizens over blocking each other’s path. This altercation escalated when it obstructed an ambulance on an emergency call, further intensifying the situation. Due to the commotion, citizens, employees from nearby establishments, and police officers quickly gathered at the scene.
Considering that Sayat-Nova Street is one of the busiest areas in the city, home to numerous shops, cafes, and restaurants, a large crowd accumulated in a short time, leading to traffic congestion. However, a mass brawl or other serious incident, as widely reported online, did not occur.
Police Intervention and Clarification
The Ministry of Internal Affairs issued a statement clarifying the events:
“On July 16, around 9:10 PM, on Sayat-Nova Street in Gyumri, while patrol officers of the Shirak region battalion were documenting a traffic violation committed by the driver of an ‘Audi’ car, two of his friends approached them. They obstructed the lawful actions of the patrol officers, displayed disrespectful behavior, and uttered offensive expressions, while simultaneously disrupting normal traffic flow.”
Three men, aged 32, 41, and 47, all residents of Gyumri, were arrested and taken to the Kumayri Department of Community Police, then presented to the Shirak Regional Investigative Department with the compiled documents. The Ministry of Internal Affairs explicitly stated that “the information disseminated in the media regarding a stabbing in connection with the incident does not correspond to reality.” It was also noted that the arrested individuals were released yesterday.
Impact on Traffic and Public Order
While the incident did not involve a mass brawl or stabbing, the dispute and the subsequent gathering of people did cause significant traffic disruption on Sayat-Nova Street. The presence of numerous businesses and the street’s central location contributed to the rapid accumulation of a crowd, creating the impression of a larger event than what actually transpired.
The quick response of the police helped to manage the situation and prevent further escalation. The Ministry of Internal Affairs’ prompt clarification served to dispel misinformation that had spread rapidly across social media platforms.
This event highlights the importance of verifying information, especially in the age of rapid online dissemination, and the potential for minor incidents to be amplified into major events through misinterpretation and rumor.
