Armenian army regiment, battalion commanders to go on trial for dodging fighting in 44-day war New criminal case in Yerevan

The commander of one of the motorized rifle regiments of the Armenian Armed Forces and the commander of a battalion are being accused of disobeying an order and evading official duties during the 44-day war in Karabakh.

According to the Armenian Prosecutor-General's Office, the preliminary investigation of the case has been completed and was sent to the prosecutor's office for further transfer to the court, Caliber.Az reports with reference to the Armenian media.

“According to the materials of the criminal case, Col A. G., being the commander of a regiment, under the conditions of martial law, declared in Armenia, on October 15, 2020, refused to perform certain duties of military service. Having received the order of the commander of the Piloyan grouping, Maj-Gen A. P., on the use of personnel, weapons, and military equipment to resist the enemy and stop its advance, the colonel did not fulfill it, citing a depressed psychological state.

“A similar charge was brought against the commander of a motorized rifle battalion, Lt-Col S. M. The investigation does not give the full name of the general, but it is most likely about Andranik Piloyan, who commanded the corps during the war, received the title of National Hero, and later was appointed Minister of Emergency Situations.

“By the way, the general is also under investigation, but on a case that has nothing to do with the war,” the report says.