Pundit highlights alarming suicide rates among Armenian soldiers

Armenian political scientist Stepan Danielyan has raised serious concerns about the mental health crisis facing Armenian soldiers, emphasizing the urgent need for action and accountability.

In a recent statement reported by Caliber.Az  via Armenian media, Danielyan questioned, "How many Armenian soldiers are currently contemplating suicide?"

He stressed that the issue extends beyond individual cases, stating, "Regarding the cases of Armenian soldiers who have committed suicide, criminal cases should not only be initiated against their comrades who drove them to this act, but there should also be in-depth research into the social causes of this phenomenon, the low level of officer training, and the limitations of their authority, as well as issues of criminal negligence, unprofessionalism in command of the Armed Forces, the Minister of Defense and his deputies, and the staff of the General Staff."

Danielyan emphasized that silence on this issue equates to "criminal indifference" and labelled it a pressing political concern. He criticized the effectiveness of demonstrations held outside the United Nations, suggesting a more focused approach: “It is not necessary to hold a meaningless demonstration in front of the UN office; instead, it should be done right in front of the Ministry of Defense with the following demands:

• Present research to the public on the typical causes of suicides.
• If this is not done, punish the officials who failed to carry out this work.
• If such a document exists, they should present a plan of conclusions and further actions.
• The resignation of the Minister of Defense."

He concluded with a poignant reminder of the gravity of the situation: “It is unknown how many soldiers are currently contemplating suicide as they fall asleep at night, and their only hope is us.”