The Mystery of the $600 Bulletproof Vests: What is the Reality?

Events following former President Serzh Sargsyan's statement regarding the purchase of bulletproof vests during the war are quite intriguing. Yesterday, the Ministry of Defense of Armenia responded to a query from the 'Zhoghovurd' newspaper, stating that no bulletproof vests valued at $600 were supplied to the Ministry of Defense through circumvention and direct purchase by the government during the war.

Recall that Serzh Sargsyan made a scandalous statement in an interview with 'ArmNews,' speaking about 'looting and embezzlement.' According to him, the government purchased bulletproof vests for $600, bypassing the Ministry of Defense. Even though the Ministry of Defense effectively denies the claims of the third president, it is noteworthy that the government classified all this information as a state secret.

According to Article 15, Clause 2 of the Law on State Purchases of the Republic of Armenia, procurements in this category of services and goods are included in the procurement plan containing state secrets. As per Article 8, Clause 1, Subclause 1 of the Law on Freedom of Information, information containing state secrets is not subject to publication.

In this situation, it is hard to trust any government agency.