Investigation Begins into Soldiers Killed at Azat Military Barracks

The investigation into the case of 15 soldiers killed at the Azat village military barracks has begun at the Vardenis seat of the Gegarkunik region's Court of General Jurisdiction on September 12.

The lawyer of the accused, Yeghishe Hakobyan, Joseph Sargsyan, stated that during the preliminary hearing, the issue of the preventive measures for the accused was discussed. The court decided to extend the detention of three defendants for another three months.

"The court session was tense. Both sides were understandably demanding a fair investigation and disclosure. A motion was submitted to the court to transfer the case to the Yerevan seat, to facilitate the attendance of the parties at the hearings, but the court rejected the motion. According to the Criminal Procedure Code, it is stipulated that all defendants must agree; four of the defendants expressed their agreement, but one objected," Sargsyan explained.

It should be noted that there are five military personnel with the status of defendants in the case, three of whom are in detention.