Armenia declares former defence chief wanted over 2021 border clashes

Former Armenian Defence Minister Arshak Karapetyan has been declared wanted in connection with the border clashes between Armenia and Azerbaijan in May 2021, Armenian media reported, citing the Investigative Committee of Armenia, according to Caliber.Az.

As per the committee, Karapetyan, who served as the first deputy chief of the General Staff at the time, issued an illegal order to retreat, which led to Armenian advanced units leaving their positions. He is charged with abuse of power, as he allegedly had no authority to give such an order.

Karapetyan is currently outside the country. Consequently, absentee proceedings have been initiated against him, arrest has been chosen as the measure of restraint, and he is officially wanted. The criminal case, along with the indictment, has been submitted to the prosecutor for approval to be sent to court.

For context, on May 12, 2021, Armenia accused Azerbaijan of violating the state border and committing acts of aggression.

The following day, May 13, the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry issued a statement rejecting Yerevan’s accusations, affirming that Azerbaijan acted within the framework of protecting its internationally recognised borders.

The statement noted that Azerbaijani troop movements occurred entirely within Azerbaijani territory and did not pose a threat to Armenia. It described Armenia’s accusations as an attempt to politicise the situation and divert international attention from unresolved border delimitation and demarcation issues between the two countries.

By Tamilla Hasanova