The Penalty for Inciting a Soldier to Suicide Will Be Toughened

The National Assembly of the Republic of Armenia has adopted, in the second reading and in full, a draft law that toughens the punishment for inciting a soldier to commit suicide.

The draft law amending the Criminal Code of the Republic of Armenia was authored by members of the Prosperous Armenia faction: Naira Zohrabyan, Vahe Enfiajyan, Shake Isayan, and Arman Abovyan.

The draft law proposes to add a new article to the code, which establishes that inciting another soldier to suicide or attempted suicide through threats, violence, cruel treatment, or by insulting their personal honor and dignity, is punishable by imprisonment for a term of three to eight years.

Moreover, inciting suicide by a group of individuals, or by a superior against a subordinate, or repeatedly against the same individual during combat duty or military service is punishable by imprisonment for five to ten years. If the actions outlined in this article occur during a state of martial law, war, or in combat conditions, they are punishable by imprisonment for seven to twelve years.

Main rapporteur Naira Zohrabyan emphasized that the incidents of suicide occurring in peacetime in the Armed Forces over the years indicate improper statutory relationships. According to her, there are serious issues related to discipline and statutory relationships in the Armed Forces, and these issues are being raised as a public demand for tougher punishment for those who commit the crime of pushing a soldier to suicide.

The draft law was adopted unanimously with 120 votes in favor.