Former CP Member Artur Hambardzumyan Accuses Nikol Pashinyan of Falsifying April War Participation
Yerevan, January 24, 2026 – Artur Hambardzumyan, a former member of the Civil Contract (CP) party, has made serious allegations against Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, claiming he falsely represented his presence in Artsakh in May 2016 as participation in the April War. Hambardzumyan shared his accusations on his Facebook page, sparking a heated discussion on the integrity of high-ranking Armenian officials.
Pashinyan’s Alleged Deception Regarding the April War
According to Hambardzumyan, “Nikol Pashinyan not only did not serve in the Armenian Armed Forces but also committed an unprecedented act of villainy: he presented his presence in Artsakh in May 2016 as participation in the April War.” This statement implies a deliberate attempt by the Prime Minister to mislead the public about his involvement in a significant military conflict.
Hambardzumyan further elaborated on his claims, stating, “Nikol Pashinyan participated in the April War in May.” This assertion is particularly contentious as the April War officially took place between April 1 and April 5, 2016. Pashinyan’s alleged presence in May, if misrepresented as participation, would constitute a serious breach of public trust.
High-Ranking Officials Accused of Evading Military Service
The former CP member extended his accusations beyond Pashinyan, highlighting a list of prominent figures in the Armenian government who, he claims, did not serve in the Armenian Armed Forces:
- Deputy Prime Ministers Mher Grigoryan and Tigran Khachatryan
- Chief of Staff of the Prime Minister, Arayik Harutyunyan, who was allegedly dismissed from service by then-Minister of Defense Serzh Sargsyan
- Yerevan Mayor T. Avinyan, whom Hambardzumyan sarcastically described with a derogatory term related to military evasion
- Ministers Gevorg Papoyan, Ararat Mirzoyan (allegedly “Agent Omega”), Hambardzum Matevosyan, and Mkhitar Hayrapetyan
- Minister of Social Affairs Arsen Torosyan, who was allegedly “kicked out of service halfway through”
- Minister of Defense Papikyan Surik, who was allegedly “convicted for hooliganism and kicked out halfway through”
Hambardzumyan also pointed out that eight out of ten regional governors did not serve in the Armenian Armed Forces, including:
- Sergey Movsisyan (Aragatsotn)
- Sedrak Tevonyan (Ararat)
- Vahram Khachatryan (Armavir)
- Aren Mkrtchyan (Lori)
- Aharon Sahakyan (Kotayk)
- Davit Arushanyan (Shirak)
- Vahagn Arsenyan (Aragatsotn)
- Hayk Ghalumyan (Tavush)
These allegations raise significant questions about the military service records of a substantial portion of Armenia’s leadership and their moral authority to govern, especially concerning issues of national defense.
Criticism of Local Government Involvement in Conscription
Hambardzumyan also criticized the involvement of local self-government bodies in the conscription process, stating, “The person who ran away from the army is sending boys to positions, and in many cases, directly to Azerbaijani captivity.” This statement suggests a hypocrisy in the government’s approach to military service, where those who allegedly avoided it are now responsible for sending others to the front lines.
Pashinyan’s Wartime Rhetoric and Subsequent Actions
The former CP member further recalled a poignant moment during the 44-day war, stating, “At the height of the 44-day war, the country’s prime minister was telling a company going to the front how he made a decision and went to participate in the April War. He was inspiring the boys, he was deceiving them. He was sending them to die, so that exactly two years later in Prague, he would recognize them as occupying rabble.” This powerful accusation suggests that Pashinyan used a fabricated narrative to motivate soldiers, only to later betray their sacrifices through diplomatic actions.
A State Devoid of Moral Laws
Hambardzumyan concluded his post with a strong condemnation of the current state of affairs in Armenia: “This is a state devoid of moral laws, dear friends. This is a MOZano. Such a state not only has no right but also no chance of survival.” He expressed a desperate hope for liberation, stating, “May the day come when Armenians are freed from Armenians. God grant that Armenians be freed, and if not, let a foreigner free them, and blessed be that day.”
These allegations by Artur Hambardzumyan are likely to fuel further political debate and scrutiny of the current Armenian government, particularly concerning military service and national integrity.
