Individual Spreading Provocative and False Information Among Soldiers Arrested

The National Security Service of Armenia has released a statement indicating that as a result of operational-investigative measures conducted by the NSS, factual data has been obtained regarding N. M. On September 27, 2020, during the declared state of martial law in the Republic of Artsakh and the Republic of Armenia, while serving as the deputy commander of the communication platoon in the N military unit, stationed at a combat position assigned to the unit for protection, N. M., along with the senior at that position, disseminated false and misleading information among fellow servicemen regarding alleged agreements made by the Armenian authorities about surrendering lands, expressing the opinion that under such circumstances, their fighting was pointless and that fulfilling their combat mission was meaningless.

As a result of the mentioned actions, the morale and psychological state of the servicemen executing their combat missions were significantly disturbed, leading to feelings of fear, anxiety, and helplessness. Consequently, some of the soldiers on combat duty, succumbing to provocations, left their place of service, refusing to fulfill their military obligations.

Based on direct suspicion of committing a crime, N. M. has been arrested in the framework of the criminal case initiated by the investigative department of the NSS. Using legally permissible investigative tools, active measures are being taken to identify individuals spreading provocative and false information among soldiers during martial law as well as possible accomplices.

The National Security Service emphasizes that it will undertake necessary measures based on the situation to identify and apply corresponding legal actions against those disseminating provocative or panic-inducing information that negatively impacts the cohesion and combat readiness of servicemen during martial law, and urges strict adherence to military discipline.

In the context of a profound and universal consciousness of the sacred mission of defending the homeland, the NSS finds it necessary to clarify that criminal liability is stipulated under Article 299 of the Armenian Criminal Code for treason by a citizen of the Republic of Armenia against the sovereignty, territorial integrity, or external security of the Republic, for crossing over to the enemy's side, espionage, or rendering assistance in carrying out enemy activities. Among other forms, crossing over to the enemy can manifest through calls not to obey authorities during military operations. For this particularly serious crime, the punishment prescribed is imprisonment for a term of ten to fifteen years, with or without confiscation of property.