New Questions Arise in Case of 15 Soldiers' Deaths at Azat Village Barracks: Lawyer

The investigation results from June 11 regarding the deaths of 15 servicemen at the Azat village barracks have raised questions among the victims' relatives, said lawyer Norayr Norikyan.

He added that these questions contradict the facts obtained during other investigative procedures. However, the lawyer did not provide further details.

"The parents of the deceased do not believe the official version and do not rule out other hypotheses, including the deliberate murder of their children. They also acknowledge that the fire may have been set to cover up certain evidence and divert public attention from the actual crime," Norikyan stated.

The parents of the fallen soldiers are determined to fully uncover the true circumstances of this crime and hold all responsible parties accountable, he added.

A fire broke out in the engineering troops' barracks in Azat village, Gegharkunik province, on the night of January 19, resulting in the deaths of 15 servicemen.

Investigators have reported that the cause of the fire was the use of gasoline for heating by an officer. The Prosecutor General's Office confirmed this version and initiated a criminal case against the rear commander and deputy of the communal services of the military unit for negligence and careless behavior regarding the fulfillment of their duties.

Charges have also been brought against Major M.S., the head of communal services, fire safety, and rescue operations, who was detained on January 31. On February 9, criminal proceedings were initiated against G.M., the commander of the engineering battalion of the Azat village military unit, under part 3 of Article 550 of the Criminal Code for military negligence resulting in death. The act described in part 3 of this article is punishable by imprisonment for five to ten years.