Fallen Hratchya Sarukhanyan Was a Conscription Soldier: Investigative Committee Provides Details

Reports have been received indicating that between 21:50 and 22:00 on March 31, 2023, a conscription soldier and a contract soldier sustained gunshot wounds in the vicinity of a combat position located in the southeastern direction of Armenia. As a result, the conscription soldier, Hratchya Sarukhanyan, died from life-threatening gunshot injuries.

According to the Armenian Investigative Committee, in response to the reports, two separate criminal cases have been initiated on the basis of murder and attempted murder features under the ninth military investigative department of the Investigative Committee, which have been consolidated into one case.

During the course of the preliminary investigation, it has been established that at the mentioned time, gunfire was exchanged both from the enemy and simultaneously between the Armenian Armed Forces personnel.

The site of the incident has been examined, and forensic medical examinations have been ordered. Necessary and urgent investigative and procedural actions are being taken to clarify the circumstances and possibilities surrounding the deaths and injuries of the servicemen, both resulting from enemy fire and the exchange of fire among the Armed Forces personnel.

Notice: A person accused of a crime is presumed innocent until proven guilty in accordance with the procedures established by the Armenian Criminal Procedure Code and a court decision that has entered into legal force.