Armenia’s Investigative Committee has opened criminal proceedings over a video published by Alik Alexanyan alleging the surrender of military positions near Jermuk.

The Investigative Committee has launched criminal proceedings over a video published by Alik Alexanyan, a member of the Strong Armenia party, concerning the alleged handover of military positions in the Jermuk direction, on charges of false reporting and organizing false reporting.

The Investigative Committee said that according to a report of an apparent crime received by the agency, A.A. (Strong Armenia party member Alik Alexanyan) posted a video on Facebook on May 21 with the accompanying text: “People, positions are being surrendered secretly from you, listen to this volunteer’s words, while the defense minister is conducting a campaign with hearts,” in which he and another individual speak about handing over a combat position located in the direction of the city of Jermuk to Azerbaijan.

Armenia’s Defense Ministry officially denied the information provided by A.A. and the other individual on the same day. Based on the report received, criminal proceedings were initiated on charges of false reporting and organizing false reporting.

The preliminary investigation established the identity of the person speaking in the video with a covered face, who had carried out combat duty at an N military position.

“During questioning, the individual denied information about any surrender of positions, while stating that, while intoxicated, he participated in a gathering organized by N.K., where he met A.A., who, being informed about his social problems, immediately arranged an interview with a journalist. He stated that he was intoxicated and provided information that did not correspond to reality,” the statement said.