44 deaths in the army
According to unofficial data, 44 people died in the army this year. "Out of the 44, only 7 of them died as a result of a ceasefire violation," announced Head of the Helsinki Civil Assembly Office in Vanadzor Artur Sakunts said during a discussion on "Reasons for the rise of deaths in the army and possible ways of elimination" organized by the Institute of War and Peace Reporting. The advocate also noted that according to official data, there were 31 deaths in the army last year.
According to Artur Sakunts, there have always been murders in the Armenian army, but today public interest and attention has changed toward the issues in the army. However, he adds that that interest cannot change the government indulged in corruption and illegality. "If the highest commander of the army says he is disgusted with people who touch upon these issues, what can you expect from his commanders who are used for political purposes?"
Chief of Staff of the National Security Service Suren Davtyan tried to argue against Artur Sakunts and recalled that the army should not be separated from the society. "What goes on in the army is what happens in kindergarten, schools and other institutions. Corruption doesn't decrease by talking about it," said the NAS representative.
A Defense Ministry representative had also been invited to the discussion, but the latter refused.
Attending the discussion were parents of soldiers who died in unclear circumstances.
