Significant Contradictions Exist in Testimonies of Survivors: "Hraparak"

“As of now, the actual causes of the children's deaths remain unknown, meaning the autopsy results for the children's bodies have not yet been published,” said Norayr Norikyan, a lawyer representing the families of 13 of the 15 servicemen who died in a fire at a military barracks in the village of Azat in Gegharkunik Province, in an interview with "Hraparak." The incident occurred on January 19, with preliminary assumptions indicating that a fire started due to the use of a gasoline heater, resulting in the immediate deaths of 15 servicemen, while one succumbed in a hospital. However, according to some family members and Norikyan, the soldiers had already died before the fire broke out. We asked the lawyer several questions. The media interview is presented below:

“- Mr. Norikyan, it has been nearly two months since the incident, but the autopsy results for the soldiers' bodies are still not available or published, why is that?
- The case was transferred to the Investigation Committee yesterday. We are currently waiting to see which investigator will be assigned to the case. We have not yet received the findings of the autopsy, only the results of the genetic examination. DNA analysis taken from the parents has definitively identified which body belongs to which parent. During this time, I have sent official legal inquiries to Defense Minister Suren Papikyan and Interior Minister Vahe Ghazaryan regarding the behavior exhibited by their subordinates before and after the incident. I have also sent a letter to the head of the investigative group conducting the criminal proceedings, noting that more than 40 days have passed since the incident, yet we have not received the conclusions of the autopsy. I have urged them to take appropriate measures to provide the results as soon as possible. We have received a letter from the Military Prosecutor of the Republic of Armenia stating that the Military Prosecutor will meet with the parents of the fallen servicemen soon, in March. Eight parents have already been interrogated.”

“- Does Minister Suren Papikyan not wish to meet the parents? We are aware that you also sent him a letter.”
- We have not yet received a response.

“- Sergeant Yeghishe Kirakosyan, who allegedly lit a gasoline heater, resulting in the fire, has stated that while he did indeed use gasoline to fuel the heater, the barracks door was open.”
- There are contradictions, and all these contradictions are being compiled and filtered. We will provide a more comprehensive response regarding this matter in the near future. There are significant contradictions in the testimonies of the survivors, both from the soldiers and the officers. It is very interesting to explore what causes these contradictions. It is clear that the parents also have questions about why the testimonies from the survivors contain so many discrepancies.

“- Let's talk about the reasons behind these contradictions.”
- They can vary widely. There are issues related to tactics and certain circumstances. The examination's task is to ensure the objectivity of the case and understand what causes the contradictions.

“- In your opinion, why have the results of the examinations of the bodies and the injured not been published or provided? We received information that the presence of drugs in the blood has been detected.”
- As per the government’s decision, it is stipulated that the results of the autopsy must be prepared within a 30-day period, and this is the procedure. I have studied this procedure in detail.”