Defense Ministry Does Not Deny News of Military Police Chief's Resignation

According to the publication 'Hraparak', Military Police Chief Ashot Zakaryan has submitted a resignation letter. Zakaryan, who hails from the Shirak region, participated in the First Nagorno-Karabakh War. During the 2008 presidential elections, he was responsible for Levon Ter-Petrosyan's campaign headquarters in Gyumri.

Zakaryan has held the position of Military Police Chief since 2020. Over the years, there have been several rumors about his possible departure from the post, but he has continued to serve. 'Hraparak' also notes that Zakaryan is a friend of Andranik Kocharyan, the former chairman of the National Assembly's Defense Committee.

The publication suggests that the recent increase in deaths within the military may be the reason behind his resignation, indicating that the Military Police Chief could be blamed for insufficient oversight or failure to prevent such incidents.

Meanwhile, Aurora News has contacted the Defense Ministry's press secretary. The press secretary did not confirm but also did not deny the information regarding Ashot Zakaryan's resignation letter, stating that one should take into account Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan's announcement.

It is worth noting that a criminal case has been initiated in relation to the death of soldier Grigor Edgar Zakaryan, who was found dead on August 13. According to the Investigative Committee, necessary investigative and procedural actions are underway.

Previously, the Ministry of Defense had reported that Grigor Edgar Zakaryan's body was discovered with a gunshot wound. Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan also addressed journalists' questions regarding similar incidents involving military personnel deaths.

“We have discussed the situation in the morning with the Minister of Defense, and there will be specific personnel decisions in the near future. We will have changes in the Military Police,” Pashinyan stated.