Armenian Defense Ministry: soldier’s death might not be accidental

PanARMENIAN.Net - In the framework of investigation into Armenian soldier Hayk Mkrtchyan’s death more than one version will be tried.

According to preliminary investigation the soldier’s death was caused by careless handling of weapon by his fellow serviceman Lendrush Nazlukhanyan, Armenian Defense Ministry press secretary David Karapetyan told a PanARMENIAN.Net reporter.

According to him, the investigation will take into consideration that Mkrtchyan’s death was not caused by one shot, but more. “Also there is a version that Mkrtchyan was killed on purpose,” Karapetyan said, adding that the version that Mkrtchyan’s death was the result of a conflict with his fellow serviceman is not excluded. Karapetyan added that investigation is under way and soon charges will be brought against the suspect.

In the morning of September 7, Armenian serviceman Hayk Mkrtchyan, born 1992, died from a gunshot wound while on military duty in the eastern part of the line of contact between Nagorno Karabakh Republic and Azerbaijani armed forces.

A criminal investigation was instigated in accordance with article 373.3 of Armenian Criminal Code (careless handling of weapon resulting in a death) stipulating for 3-7 years of imprisonment.