Returned and Detained Soldiers File Appeal Against Detention

On December 4, an appeal was filed against the detention of Lieutenant Sergey Amirkhanyan and contract serviceman Robert Nalbandyan, who were returned to Armenia. Ruben Melikyan, lawyer and co-founder of the NGO "Legal Path," representing their interests, informed 24News about this.

Among the four detained soldiers, the interests of two are also represented by lawyers Siranush Sahakyan and Davit Galstyan. Melikyan noted that appeals have been filed in both cases by public defenders. “We are eagerly awaiting the hearings of the appellate court. At the moment, we do not have a specific timeline, but we hope that the hearings will take place in the coming days. We expect it to happen within 2021. Both deny the charges and are very upset about the treatment they have received from the Republic of Armenia. Not only do they not accept their guilt, but they are also very outraged,” he emphasized.

When asked whether the positions were properly equipped at the time of the enemy's attack, Ruben Melikyan replied, “Regarding whether the positions were equipped or not, I think the answer to that question is more than obvious. We have numerous documents that have been published concerning our various positions, from the Office of the Human Rights Defender, and other publications. I believe it is more than clear to our citizens what the situation regarding our positions' equipment was.”

Melikyan did not comment on whether the soldiers received orders not to fire. “That is a substantive question related to pre-trial secrecy. The fate of these individuals is of great importance to our organization because a severe injustice is currently being done to them. We will certainly talk about this, but at a time when it will be most effective,” the lawyer concluded.

It is noteworthy that as a result of the Azerbaijani attack on the eastern positions of Armenia on November 16, some Armenian soldiers were captured. Ten of them were returned to Armenia on December 4 through Russian mediation. Charges have been filed against five of these soldiers, four of whom were detained by court order and one who was not. The latter's case has also been appealed by the Investigative Committee. They are charged under Article 365 (part 3) of the Criminal Code for violating the rules of combat duty or combat service, resulting in serious consequences.