Today, an event was held in honor of Gevorg Arshakyan, who was awarded the 1st degree “Combat Cross” as he was killed in the 44-day war, during which an award ceremony was held in three categories (lawyers, doctors, journalists). The award was established by the initiative of RA human rights defender Arman Tatoyan, human rights lawyer Siranush Sahakyan and Naira Hovsepyan, Gevorg Arshakyan’s mother.
The first prize was awarded to lawyer Levon Gevorgyan, a specialist in international law, for his contribution and consistent efforts in presenting the collected facts on Azerbaijani war crimes to international structures, and the formulation of legal evaluations.
The other certificates of honor were given to "Soldier's Home" rehabilitation center doctors Hasmik Davtyan, Lusine Poghosyan, Gohar Baghdasaryan and military doctor Armen Harutyunyan for their exceptional humanitarian dedication during the war.
An award was also given to "Hetq" media for its investigation into the 44-day war and for consistently raising and covering human rights issues.
“The role of the media and journalists is so exceptional that the Azerbaijani authorities isolated the visits of journalists for years before the war, initiating criminal cases and prosecutions in order to cover up their atrocities,” RA Human Rights Defender Arman Tatoyan mentioned in his speech.
Gevorg Arshakyan studied at the Faculty of Philosophy and Psychology at Yerevan State University from 2014-2018, and at the Faculty of Law of YSU from 2014-2019, and graduated from both faculties with excellence. In 2018, he graduated from the Vazgen Sargsyan Military University and joined the RA Armed Forces.
In parallel with his service, he studied in the "Human Resources Management" master's program at the Faculty of Sociology at YSU. In 2020, he finished his service with the rank of senior lieutenant. After that he was admitted to the master's degree program of YSU faculties of law, as well as philosophy and psychology. In 2020, he worked as a teacher of military science at the "Hay Aspet" educational complex.
Senior Lieutenant Gevorg Arshakyan was discharged from officer service in August 2020, but during the 44-day war, he volunteered for the defense of the motherland. In the morning of November 6, he left for Shushi and participated in defensive battles.
While repelling the enemy from Shushi, he was seriously injured and fought until lost consciousness. He died on November 7.