Investigation into Azat Fire Case Underway in Tense Atmosphere

The trial concerning the Azat military base fire continues in a tense atmosphere at the first instance court in the Gegharkunik region. Parents of the conscript soldiers are expressing their disagreements with the testimony given by the unit's psychologist-spy, Vahagn Nersisyan, during preliminary statements made before the court.

The situation escalated when Vahagn Nersisyan, responding to questions about rescued soldier Garush Sargsyan, stated that initially, his assumption was that Sargsyan exited through the door. "We discussed it globally in the unit afterward and learned that Garush exited through the window," he said.

The parents grew angry and addressed the witness directly, pointing out that he had previously told them that Garush Sargsyan had narrated his escape. They referred back to the witness’s earlier claims made after the incident. One parent remarked, "Didn’t you tell me Garush said ‘the bush was thrown on the tent and he exited through the door'? I asked if you would say that in court, and you replied with a very rude comment about those who don’t testify..."

Nevertheless, the witness maintained throughout the hearing that he never stated this information, claiming that Garush Sargsyan exiting through the door was merely his personal opinion based on the situation.

The unit's psychologist mentioned that he consistently interacted with the soldiers of the engineering battalion, knowing everyone well, and did not observe any mood disturbances among them, considering them psychologically strong.

“Gagik Barseghyan (one of the soldiers who died in the fire) was from my village; that child grew up before my eyes. However, he never mentioned any tension in relations between officers and soldiers or possible violence,” Vahagn Nersisyan noted.

Following the testimony, several parents shouted insults. Prior to this, they had expressed their anger over questions posed by the prosecutor, declaring that they felt the inquiries were repetitive and abusive.

The lawyer representing the victims’ heirs, Norair Norikyan, responded to the witness's testimony, stating that it was an irresponsible statement. “Haven’t you considered that this could be fatal for the parents? Why should your words now be considered more credible by the court than what you told the parents at the initial stages, particularly to the father of deceased soldier Gagik Barseghyan, Arman Barseghyan?” Norikyan emphasized.

It should be noted that a fire broke out on January 19, 2023, around 01:30 in the barracks of the engineering battalion of the Armenia Ministry of Defense N military unit located in the Azat village area of Gegharkunik. The fire resulted in the deaths of 15 soldiers and injuries to 7 others. Following the incident, the commander of the 2nd Army Corps and other high-ranking officials were dismissed from their positions.

A criminal case has been initiated under Article 532, part 4, of the RA Criminal Code. Another criminal proceeding has been opened regarding the apparent negligence displayed by officials in observing fire safety regulations and in performing related duties.

So far, one conviction has been issued in this case, with the duty officer Radik Matevossian sentenced to 3 years in prison. Criminal proceedings have also been initiated against the commander of the engineering battalion and the officer of the engineering service, Yegishe Hakobyan.