Deceased Soldier’s Fellow Servicemen Subject to Pressure, Insists Human Rights Group

The Helsinki Citzens’ Assembly Vandzor Office has several concerns regarding the investigation into the death of Hayk Movses Khachatryan, 18, who died from chicken pox on Dec. 30, 2011, which he contracted while serving in Armenia’s Armed Forces.

According to a statement issued by the human rights group, Hayk Khachatryan’s fellow servicemen, who can attest to reasons for Hayk’s deteriorating health while in the army and about possible mistreatment on the part of the commander are being pressured — they are convinced, urged and forced to give inaccurate testimonies.

“Since they continue to be under the control of the military unit’s commander, who bears direct responsibility for the current situation, we demand those bodies carrying out the investigation to implement measures to exclude such pressure on the conscripts and to ensure an impartial, thorough and objective investigation into the criminal case,” reads the statement.