Criminal Case Initiated Regarding the Actions of an Azerbaijani Diversion Group: Artsakh Prosecutor's Office

On March 5, 2023, at approximately 10:00 AM, a diversion group of the Azerbaijani armed forces carried out actions aimed at destabilizing the internal situation of the Artsakh Republic. These actions took place in the section west of a location referred to as ‘Gaybalishen’, on the left bank of the Armenavan River, within the territory of the Artsakh Republic. The group's operations were directed at killing individuals, inflicting bodily harm upon them, and destroying or damaging roads, communication means, and property.

Utilizing various calibers of weaponry, the diversion group attacked a service vehicle of the passport and visa department of the Artsakh Republic's Police, specifically a ‘UAZ’ model, with direct intent. This attack resulted in the unlawful killing of Police Lieutenant Colonel Armen Mayori Babayan, Police Major Davit Valeri Danielyan, and Police Lieutenant Ararat Telmani Gasparyan, while Police Lieutenant Davit Ashoti Hovsepyan sustained bodily injuries.

According to the Artsakh Prosecutor's Office, a criminal case was initiated on March 5, 2023, within the Artsakh Investigative Committee pertaining to the characteristics of the crime as defined under Article 415 of the Artsakh Criminal Code. An investigation is currently underway.

The oversight of the legality of the pre-trial proceedings in this criminal case is being conducted by the Human Crimes and General Crimes Division of the Artsakh Prosecutor's Office.