ArmInfo. Human rights activist Zhanna Aleksanyan reported the brutal beating of a conscript in the Armenian Armed Forces. The Armenian Ministry of Defence has dismissed reports regarding the severe beating of a conscripted soldier as untrue, while confirming the fact of his hospitalization.
Human rights activist Zhanna Aleksanyan had raised the alarm on her Facebook page late in the evening on July 28, stating she received reports that a 19-year-old conscript, identified as A.H., had been severely beaten by an officer. According to the human rights activist, his condition was so critical that he had to be transferred to the "Kanaz" military hospital.
"The mother found her son unrecognizable, with a disfigured face and experiencing hallucinations. The soldier was drafted into the army six months ago and suffered from mental disorders. The incident took place at the Jermuk military unit on July 22, about a week ago, but no criminal case has been initiated yet, nor does it seem one will be. According to the mother, the beating was committed by an officer. I ask Ombudsperson Anahit Manasyan to respond to this extraordinary incident. That is all for now, without further details," Aleksanyan wrote.
The Armenian Ombudsman's Office responded promptly to her post. The office's press secretary, Artur Aslalyan, promised to address the matter shortly.
Amid a rising wave of public discontent, the Ministry of Defence of Armenia also addressed the situation, stating that the information did not correspond to reality. Aram Torosyan, Press Secretary of the Ministry of Defence, stated that a social media user had "disseminated information that does not reflect reality." "We urge you to refrain from spreading false and unreliable information, as well as groundless attempts to discredit the reputation of the army among the public. Such publications mislead the public, contributing to the spread of disinformation," Torosyan stated.
"The information regarding the severe beating of serviceman A.H., or of any beating in general, is false. He was hospitalized in the military hospital due to other health issues," Torosyan said, noting that the agency is ready to accompany representatives of the Ombudsman to the hospital to witness the reality on the ground firsthand.
Torosyan added that the hospitalized serviceman is currently under medical supervision and undergoing necessary examinations. "His health is good, and there are no issues to worry about," he added. However, the Ministry of Defence did not comment on whether the conscript has mental health issues, or how, if that is indeed the case, he was drafted into the army with such issues.
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