Servicemen join protesters in Tavush: criminal investigation launched
ArmInfo. Based on information about the apparent refusal of a group of military personnel to
perform some of the duties of military service, criminal proceedings
have been initiated.
According to the Investigative Committee of Armenia, a message was
received from the military police of the country's Ministry of
Defense that on April 26, 2024, at around 23:30, after studying video
materials circulating on the Internet, it became clear that at the
same time a group of servicemen from military unit N The Armenian
Ministry of Defense joined the "demonstrators united for political
reasons who gathered on the Kirants-Voskepar road in Tavush region,"
stating that they laid down their arms, meaning the refusal to
perform certain duties of military service and from this moment,
having actually stopped performing them, joined to the demonstrators.
It is noted that an investigative group has been formed in criminal
proceedings, urgent investigative and other operational actions are
being carried out in order to clarify the circumstances of the case
and the circle of persons involved in the case.
The Investigative Committee also declares that it will be consistent
and fulfill its functions provided for by the legislation of the
Republic of Armenia in every case of a crime against the procedure
for military service.
"At the same time, we urge conscripts of the RA Ministry of Defense
under contract and conscription to strictly comply with the
requirements of RA legislation, including the military regulations,
conscientiously fulfill their duties in military service, exercise
restraint and not succumb to provocations, manipulative actions,
statements and political appeals individuals," the Investigative
Committee of Armenia said.
It should be noted that late the night before, a group of 20 contract
military personnel, after clashes between Tavush residents who
opposed unilateral concessions to Azerbaijan and blocked the
Kirants-Vokepar road and the police, arrived at the blocked section
of the road to express their support to them.
The Armenian Ministry of Defense issued an operational statement in
connection with this incident. It said, in particular: "A video of
people in military uniform joining a political rally taking place in
Kirants, Tavush region, has spread on the Internet.
The military police of the Ministry of Defense of Armenia is taking
measures to establish the identities of persons in military uniform
and assess the information being disseminated.
At the same time, the RA Ministry of Defense warns that any attempt
to involve the Armed Forces of Armenia in political processes will
receive an adequate legal assessment."