YEREVAN. – The 35-year-old resident of Turkey’s Van city, who on January 8 had crossed into Armenia’s border from the Turkish Helimcan village—which is located in the immediate vicinity of Bagaran village of Armenia’s Armavir Region—is not handed over to Turkey; he is detained in Armenia, Armenian News-NEWS.am ascertained from the Armenian National Security Service press center.

The investigation into this case is in progress, and the Turkish resident will be tried in Armenia.        

To note, a criminal case was launched against the Van city resident on charges of crossing Armenia’s state border without necessary documents, or proper authorization. This offense is punishable by a fine of 100-200 times of the minimum wage, or by imprisonment for up to three years.

As Armenian News-NEWS.am informed earlier, the Bagaran residents had warmly received the 35-year-old Turk and they even had offered him tea, Artur Sahakyan, 53, who hosted the Turk, had told Armenian News-NEWS.am. The Turk had also noted that he is dissatisfied with his country’s authorities, and he wanted to head abroad.