Commander Arrested in Connection with November 16 Events; Fled with 7 Soldiers

On November 16, 2021, Azerbaijani armed forces launched an attack on the combat posts of the Republic of Armenia located in Syunik and Vayots Dzor provinces, prompting the Military Investigative Committee of Armenia to open a criminal case. During the preliminary investigation, it was discovered that the enemy unexpectedly attacked the positions of the RA Armed Forces at the site of Jermuk, which was under the protection of a specific military unit. However, the personnel failed to take necessary measures in a timely manner to identify or resist the attack, leading to severe consequences.

This information was reported by the Public Relations Department of the RA Prosecutor General's Office. Following the findings during the investigation, on November 22, 2021, a decision was made to initiate a new criminal case under part 3 of Article 365 of the RA Criminal Code, which was merged with the previously mentioned case.

On November 22, 2021, a contract serviceman from the 2nd rifle brigade of the military unit and the acting commander of this brigade, Major G.G., were arrested on suspicion of committing a criminal offense specified in part 3 of Article 365 of the RA Criminal Code.

The investigation revealed that G.G. was positioned at the command observation post located in the area entrusted to brigade protection, where 15 servicemen were performing combat duty. Simultaneously, he was responsible for the duties related to the protection of 10 combat positions in the designated protection area.

According to the combat order issued by the commander of the military corps on November 16, 2021, the military unit transitioned from protection to defense, with units brought to full combat readiness. Under these conditions, the unit prepared for combat actions.

G.G., responsible for the brigade's combat readiness and the successful execution of combat tasks, failed to ensure that the forces on combat duty effectively fulfilled their tasks, particularly in repelling the approaching enemy forces. Additionally, G.G. fled along with 7 soldiers, while 11 servicemen at the post were taken captive. The bodies of 2 killed servicemen from the RA Armed Forces were handed over to the Armenian side on November 17 and 19, while the combat position came under enemy control.

For committing these offenses, G.G. was charged on November 24, 2021, under part 3 of Article 365 of the RA Criminal Code. The prosecuting authority submitted a petition to the Court of General Jurisdiction in Yerevan to choose pre-trial detention as a measure of restraint against him, which was granted by the court's decision on November 25.

Under the persistent supervision of the prosecutor, expansive investigative and operational measures are being undertaken within the ongoing criminal case to clarify all circumstances of the incident and provide legal assessments of the actions of other individuals committing apparent crimes.

Notice: A suspect or accused individual is considered innocent until proven guilty in accordance with the law and established by a legally binding court verdict.