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."