Psychological Pressure on Our Forces: Volunteers Stage Protest

Volunteers from the "Crusaders" unit are currently staging a protest in front of the government, reporting that their salaries have been reduced and that payments due are not being made. They emphasize their participation in the 44-day war, yet they are not receiving documentation acknowledging this.

“Our forces are under psychological pressure. Nearly 80 percent of volunteers do not have homes, and now they are not receiving salaries to pay rent. This means that a person is standing at the position and hearing that their children have been expelled from home. We have been to the Ministry of Defense and were told that everything is set by government decision,” said unit commander Sargis Poghosyan.

He noted that salaries were cut as far back as last year, but it was promised that they would be increased.

The volunteers also mention that at times they are prohibited from ascending to their positions citing health issues.

One member of the unit stated that the army is being dismantled through a certification process: “Volunteers earn 8,500 drams a day, yet I have lists indicating that those on guard duty have not received their payments. Who will resolve the social issues for volunteers and ensure their medical care? There is no state attitude towards volunteers. A professional dismantling process is underway in the army.”

He added that following the 44-day war, 303 servicemen, including himself, are under international wanted status via Interpol, while the Ministry of Defense has not even filed a counter-claim in international courts.

According to the volunteer, they have tried to leave the country to resolve health issues, but the embassy has informed them that they are on the wanted list.

The volunteers hope that the government will take the time to meet with them and listen to their problems.