Media: Debt dispute preceded death of Armenian contract serviceman

The death of a 23-year-old contract serviceman in Armenia reportedly followed a dispute with fellow soldiers over money and debts, Armenian newspaper Hraparak reported on September 25.

According to the newspaper, the argument arose over financial matters. Following the incident, military personnel were reportedly asked to disclose information about their outstanding loans. The demand has caused dissatisfaction among some servicemen, who reportedly believe that the Defence Ministry has no right to interfere in their private lives or request financially sensitive information.

The serviceman died on September 24 in an explosion at a military unit in Sisian. Armenia’s Defence Ministry confirmed his death but said the circumstances of the incident had not yet been established and that an investigation was underway. The ministry identified him only by his initials, D.K.

Meanwhile, another Armenian newspaper, Zhoghovurd, reported that investigators have questioned the serviceman’s comrades and are examining his conduct before the incident.

According to the newspaper, his fellow soldiers described him as calm and said they had not noticed any unusual behaviour before his death.

Investigators are also examining various circumstances related to the serviceman’s personal life. Zhoghovurd reported that he had previously experienced problems involving debts and online gambling. The newspaper said law enforcement authorities had not confirmed that any of those circumstances were directly connected to his death.

Earlier reports said the incident involved the explosion of a hand grenade following an argument between servicemen, although the precise circumstances and cause of the explosion remain under investigation.

The serviceman was from Armenia’s Shirak Province. His brother also serves in the Armenian armed forces under contract.

The Defence Ministry has said that the investigation is being conducted to establish the full circumstances surrounding the serviceman’s death.

By Tamilla Hasanova