Soldier Who Committed Suicide Regularly Subjected to Harassment: Details

A criminal charge has been brought against four individuals in connection with the death of conscript soldier Hrach Avetisyan, who allegedly faced abuse, derogatory remarks, and humiliation by his peers.

According to Factinfo, the soldier suffered a life-threatening gunshot wound to the forehead on October 20, 2017.

Preliminary investigation suggests the incident was a suicide, as the soldier reportedly shot himself in the forehead with an AK-74 assault rifle. He was immediately transported to a military hospital for medical assistance, but he succumbed to his injuries en route.

Investigators have found that in the period leading up to the incident, the soldier was regularly subjected to harassment and violence by fellow serviceman Gevorg Petrosyan.

Additionally, it was discovered that Petrosyan humiliated not only Hrach but also assaulted other soldiers. The charges indicate that Gevorg Petrosyan, along with other troops, physically assaulted the commanding officer Armen Gabrielian and two other servicemen.

The preliminary investigation body has charged Gevorg Petrosyan under parts 3 (two instances) and 1 of Article 359, and part 3, point 1 of Article 358, and part 1 of Article 360 of the RA Criminal Code. Another soldier, Hayk Mkrtchyan, faces charges under parts 3 and 2 of Article 359 for three incidents, while Artzrun Avagimyan is charged under parts 1 and 2 of Article 359 and part 3, point 1 of Article 358. Arayik Arustamyan has been charged under part 2, point 2 of Article 359.

The criminal case has been forwarded to the court after the completion of the preliminary investigation and is assigned to Judge Gnel Gasparyan.