Several Soldiers Arrested for Deserting Combat Positions

The Armenian Investigative Committee’s Military Investigative Department has obtained substantial evidence as part of a criminal case concerning significant breaches during military duty. According to their findings, on November 16, 2021, around 11:30 AM, enemy forces launched an attack on three combat positions near the Iskhakanasar border in the Syunik region. During this attack, the responsible officer of one combat position, the senior officer, and two observers violated the regulations established by the law on the internal service rules of the armed forces of the Republic of Armenia and relevant orders from the Minister of Defense regarding the organization and conduct of military duty.

Specifically, the soldiers on duty, upon learning of the enemy attack, had the authority to use their weapons; however, instead of neutralizing or disarming the enemy forces that had infiltrated their position, they attempted to negotiate with the assailants. The personnel of the combat positions abandoned their posts and fled, resulting in Azerbaijani armed forces entering the sovereign territory of the Republic of Armenia, seizing the combat positions, and capturing a total of 24 soldiers who had fled. The bodies of Gurgen Ashoti Sargsyan, Arthur Jivani Martirosyan, and Davit Helberti Amiryans were returned to the Armenian side on November 17 and 20, 2021. Seven soldiers (including the aforementioned four) were returned by Azerbaijan on November 26 and December 4, while the whereabouts of 14 soldiers remain unknown to this day.

On December 6, 2021, the responsible officer of the N combat position, Lieutenant S.A., the senior officer, Junior Sergeant A.A., and observers R.N. and A.M. were arrested under suspicion of violating Article 365, Part 3 of the RA Criminal Code (violating the rules of combat duty or service resulting in severe consequences). On December 8 and 9, formal charges were filed against them, and a motion was submitted to the Yerevan City Court requesting their detention as a preventive measure. The court granted these motions.

Furthermore, extensive investigative actions during the pre-trial investigation revealed that the deputy for moral and psychological support of the N military unit, Major N.E., also violated the military regulations applicable to the combat position under his command, leading to severe consequences. As a result, Azerbaijani forces invaded the territory and captured 13 soldiers who remained in the position. The bodies of Taron Jivani Sahakyan and Arsen Seniki Gasparyan were returned on November 17 and 19, respectively. Four soldiers (including Major N.E.) were returned on December 4, while the whereabouts of the remaining seven soldiers are still unknown.

On December 6, Major N.E. was arrested, charged under Article 365, Part 3 of the RA Criminal Code, and a request for his detention was presented to the Yerevan City Court, which was rejected. The court's decision has been forwarded to the prosecutor overseeing the pre-trial investigation for consideration of the appropriateness of an appeal.

It’s important to note that charges were also pressed against the acting commander of the military group responsible for the defense of the same military unit and the observer of the N combat position under Article 365, Part 3 of the RA Criminal Code, with detention applied as a preventive measure.

The investigation is ongoing. The conducting body finds it necessary to highlight and present to the public the feats of Armenian soldiers who displayed exceptional bravery in fulfilling their duties during the aforementioned combat operations. Notably, on November 16, 2021, around 11:30 AM, contractual soldier Private Gurgen Ashoti Sargsyan, in the face of the enemy's attack and attempts to capture, did not surrender and demonstrated incredible combat spirit, showing exceptional courage by pulling the pin of a grenade and detonating himself.

Notice: A person suspected of or charged with a crime is presumed innocent until proven guilty in accordance with the procedure established by the Code of Criminal Procedure of the Republic of Armenia by a legally binding court judgment.