Armenian General Tiran Khachatryan detained over 44-day war case

Armenia has detained Lieutenant General Tiran Khachatryan, the former first deputy head of the General Staff of the Armed Forces and national hero, as confirmed by his lawyer, Varazdat Harutyunyan.

The lawyer did not provide specifics about the criminal case but indicated it pertains to certain events from the 44-day war, Caliber.Az reports via Armenian media.

Khachatryan was arrested this morning, January 4, and a court hearing to review the request for his arrest is expected later today.

The investigation has reportedly been ongoing for nearly three years. During this period, Khachatryan attended all interrogations and investigative actions punctually, initially serving as a witness.

The Armenian Investigative Committee confirmed that criminal procedures are underway, although the detainee’s identity was not disclosed.

Khachatryan, who has frequently criticized Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan's actions during and after the 44-day war, was involved in a separate incident in January 2024. He opened fire in a restaurant, injuring one person. While he was detained for the incident, he was later released.

By Tamilla Hasanova