Soldier Dies While Being Transferred to Medical Center, Investigative Committee Reports

On December 4, 2023, the Military Police of the Republic of Armenia reported that around 14:35 on the same day, during engineering work at a combat position of the military unit N of the Ministry of Defense, soldier Gerasim Arakelyan sustained a penetrating gunshot wound from an enemy sniper.

The Investigative Committee of Armenia announced that a criminal case has been initiated. It was reported that on the same day, the soldier died from his gunshot wound while being transferred to a medical center.

Considering the evident characteristics of the case, which include indications of racial, national, ethnic hatred, intolerance, or animosity from a serviceman of the Armed Forces of Azerbaijan leading to the illegal deprivation of life of the Armenian soldier, a criminal investigation has been launched by the Eighth Garrison Investigative Division of the Military Investigative Main Department of the Investigative Committee of Armenia under the characteristics of Article 155, Part 2, Points 1 and 15 of the Criminal Code of Armenia.

A forensic examination of the body has been appointed. An investigation is ongoing, and urgent evidentiary and procedural actions are being taken to clarify the circumstances of the case.