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."