Criminal Case Launched in Connection with Death of Soldier Killed at the Border Days Ago

Six days after the death of 20-year-old soldier Hrach Piliposyan, the General Prosecutor’s Office reported in response to a question from "Azatutyun" that a criminal case has been initiated regarding the circumstances of the soldier's death.

According to the prosecutor's office, the case was opened on June 19 under Article 104 of the Criminal Code (Murder), including the following provisions: Section 2, Subsection 2 (related to the individual’s official duties or public obligation); Section 6 (in a manner dangerous to many lives); Section 7 (by a group of individuals or an organized group); and Section 13 (motive related to national, racial or religious hatred or fanaticism).

"An examination has been appointed, and all necessary actions are being taken to fully clarify all circumstances of the case," the prosecutor's office informed the media.

Twenty-year-old Hrach was serving in the Chambarak military unit and was stationed on combat duty at the Upper Shorja border. The incident occurred on June 18. Davit Shahnazaryan, a member of the Vardenis city council, announced hours after the incident that the soldier had been killed by enemy fire. The Ministry of Defense only confirmed the news of the soldier's death but has not provided any information about how it occurred or the circumstances surrounding it.

Previously, Edgar Petrosyan, the press secretary of the Vardenis community mayor, told "Azatutyun" that there had been exchanges of gunfire between the soldiers of Armenia and Azerbaijan in that area of the border and that they know that the soldier was killed as a result of the firefight.

It should be noted that Аuroranews.am was able to contact the Ministry of Defense, which confirmed the news of the soldier's death. However, no further details were disseminated either at that time or in the days that followed.