Video: Criminal Proceedings Initiated Against Soldiers Who Joined Protesters in Tavush

The Military Police of the Ministry of Defense of Armenia has received a report that on April 26, 2024, at around 23:30, an analysis of circulated videos on the internet revealed that, at the same time, a group of servicemen from military unit N of the Ministry of Defense joined protesters gathered for political reasons on the road between Kiranц and Voskepar in Tavush province, stating that they had laid down their weapons, signifying their refusal to fulfill certain military obligations and effectively ceasing their duties to join the protesters.

In connection with the incident, the Military Investigative Department of the Investigative Committee of Armenia has initiated a criminal case under the provisions of Parts 1 and 2 of Article 529 and Part 1 and 2 of Article 46-529 of the RA Criminal Code. The investigation revealed that on April 26, 2024, servicemen from military unit N, including officer A.Ch. and sergeant F.B., learned about the incidents between the protesters and police on the Voskepar-Kiranц road via the internet. They suggested sending other servicemen from the same unit, including sergeant A.D., contract servicemen A.A., A.B., G.S., A.B., K.S., E.M., D.Z., S.M., A.G., H.Q., A.H., and G.T., to the site to familiarize themselves with the situation. However, upon arrival, some protesters unexpectedly declared that they had joined them and laid down their weapons, prompting journalists present to begin recording them.

Realizing that there was no extraordinary situation at the site, they left the gathered protesters shortly thereafter. A investigative group has been formed in connection with the criminal proceedings, and urgent investigative and other procedural actions are being carried out to establish the circumstances of the incident and the individuals involved.

The Investigative Committee of Armenia announces that it will act consistently and carry out its functions as prescribed by law in every case of a crime directed against military order. At the same time, we urge both contract and conscript servicemen of the Ministry of Defense of Armenia to strictly adhere to the requirements of Armenian legislation, including military regulations, and to fulfill their military duties diligently while demonstrating restraint and not succumbing to the provocations, manipulative statements, and political calls of certain individuals.

Notice: A person accused of a crime is considered innocent until proven guilty in accordance with the procedure established by the RA Criminal Procedure Code by a legally binding court verdict.

Below are the messages from servicemen A.Ch. and F.B.