Criminal Proceedings Initiated Following the Death of Soldier Due to Avalanche

The Investigative Committee of Armenia has issued a statement: "On January 13, 2023, a report was received from the Sisian division of the Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Armenia, indicating that around 12:30 PM on the same day, B.M., a conscript soldier from military unit N of the Ministry of Defense, left his combat position in order to move to a nearby post. However, after 2:30 PM, due to worsening weather conditions, the soldier lost sight of his fellow servicemen.

Following the report, criminal proceedings were launched on January 13 at the third garrison investigative department of the RA Investigative Committee under the second part of article 550 of the RA Criminal Code. An investigative team has been formed.

As a result of search efforts, on January 14, the body of B.M. was found under the snow in a ravine adjacent to the combat position. A scene examination has been conducted, and a forensic examination of the body has been ordered. Necessary and urgent investigative and procedural actions are being undertaken to fully clarify the circumstances of the case."