Response from the National Bureau of Expertise

The National Bureau of Expert Examinations of the Republic of Armenia is currently experiencing significant workload. Consequently, the review of newly submitted materials can begin, at best, no earlier than 2026. In some cases, the timeline may be delayed until 2027–2028.

Additionally, we clarify that according to the legislation of the Republic of Armenia, the examination of audio or video recordings containing personal data is permissible only when there is a lawful basis. Transferring such materials to the Bureau without the consent of the identifiable individual constitutes a violation of the law, even if it involves a public broadcast featuring a public or political figure.

In practice, the main and legally prescribed method of initiating an expert examination involves submitting an official request to the Bureau from authorized state bodies—courts, prosecution offices, preliminary investigation bodies, or the Investigative Committee. In such cases, the materials are attached to the case following established procedures, and the examination is conducted under state commission:

1. An interested party submits an application or complaint to the appropriate body (court, prosecution office, police, or Investigative Committee).
2. If legal grounds exist, a case is initiated, and the materials, including video recordings, are attached as evidence.
3. At the request of the authorized body, the materials are sent to the Bureau for expert examination (e.g., psychological or linguistic analysis).

However, even in the case of an official request from state authorities, due to high workload, it is impossible to specify in advance the exact timing for initiating and completing the examination.