Army not trying to hide or silence tragic incidents – Armenian MP

PanARMENIAN.Net - Ministry of Defense is not trying to hide or silence tragic incidents in the army, according to the Chairman of National Assembly’s Standing Committee on Defense, National Security and Internal Affairs.

“Nevertheless, I am aware of several cases of improper treatment, incomplete preliminary investigation and even violations by investigative agencies,” Hrayr Karapetyan told journalists on Friday, Dec 23.

According to him, Committee members met relatives of soldiers who died in the army in peaceful time and, on the basis of their complaints, sent letters to Chief Military Prosecutor, Chiefs of Investigation Service, Military Police and even Minister of Health.

Karapetyan stressed that the Defense Minister Seyran Ohanyan also met with relatives of deceased soldiers and asked to give him time to deal with their complaints. The Minister instructed relevant agencies to reexamine the dissatisfactory cases and, if need be, conduct a new investigation.

Karapetyan expressed hope that in the near future they will give answers to all parents.

“In the long run, our job is to ensure investigations are conducted fairly and the guilty are punished,” said he.