As a result of operative-search activities carried out by the National Security Service of RA, factual data was obtained that N. M., under the martial law declared in the Republic of Artsakh and the Republic of Armenia on September 27, 2020, being appointed to the position of deputy platoon commander of the communications battalion of N military unit of the DA, serving at combat position N, transferred to the protection of the military unit, together with the sergeant major of the same combat position, disseminated among his fellow soldiers on combat duty false information about an agreement allegedly reached by the RA authorities on the surrender of territories, expressing the opinion that under such conditions there was no point in them fighting and carrying out the combat mission assigned to them.

As a result of the above-mentioned actions, the moral and psychological state of the servicemen performing their combat missions was significantly disrupted, causing them to feel fear, anxiety and helplessness, as a result of which some servicemen performing combat duty, having succumbed to provocations, left their place of service, refusing to perform their military duties.

Based on the immediate suspicion of committing a crime, within the framework of the criminal case initiated on this case in the Investigative Department of the National Security Service of the Republic of Armenia, N. M. was arrested.

Using the permitted criminal procedural toolkit, active measures are being taken to identify individuals who disseminate provocative and false information among military personnel under martial law, as well as their possible accomplices.

The National Security Service, within its powers, is going to take the necessary measures arising from the situation to identify individuals who have a negative impact on the cohesion of military personnel and their combat training, disseminating provocative or panic-inducing information among military personnel under martial law, and to apply appropriate criminal-legal measures to them. The National Security Service also calls for strict observance of military discipline.

The National Security Service of RA, in the context of deep and universal awareness of the noble mission of defending the Motherland, nevertheless considers it necessary to clarify that for high treason, that is, going over to the enemy's side, espionage, disclosure of state secrets, or other assistance to the state or a foreign organization or their representatives in carrying out hostile activities to the detriment of the sovereignty, inviolability or external security of the Republic of Armenia, committed by a citizen of the Republic of Armenia, Article 299 of the RA Criminal Code provides for criminal liability. Going over to the enemy's side is considered, among other things, in calls for disobedience to the authorities during military operations.

The punishment for the mentioned particularly grave crime provides for imprisonment for a term of ten to fifteen years with or without confiscation of property.

Note: the suspect or accused of an alleged crime is considered innocent as long as his/her guilt is not proven in a manner prescribed by the Code of Criminal Procedure of RA - by the court decision entered into legal force.