During the discussion on the topic of “Human Rights Violations in the Army and Their Prevention Mechanisms” organised by the Human Rights Protection Coalition in the scope of the “Commitment to Constructive Dialogue” project funded by the European Union, advocate Hayarpi Sargsyan spoke about conscript soldier Yurik Broyan’s health state and its incompatibility with military service.
Days after the public discussion, the Military Police started an internal investigation in the receiving-distributing unit on Yurik Broyan’s case. Military Prosecutor also responded, assuring that the reports submitted had been discussed and that a proper investigation would be carried out.
On 4 March 2019, Yurik Broyan gave an explanation and report. On the same day, he was also questioned on the criminal case where he was seen as the victim, particularly about being beaten in the military unit, as well as the inhumane treatment he’d received at the Kanaz hospital.
19-year-old Yurik Broyan, a Yezidi, has an inherited mental illness. Nonetheless, in August the Central Military Medical Commission examined the young man and wrote the diagnosis of “light mental backwardness” in his medical files. Mentally ill Yurik Broyan was recognised as suitable for service with limitations and was drafted to the army. Days after starting his service, Yurik was severely beaten by his “combatant”, a person named “Bud”, after which Yurik was transported to the psychiatric hospital.
Yurik Broyan is on the photo
