Is Permyakov member of a Satanist sect? High-profile trial opens at Russian base /updated/ (video)
15.20 The trial has been adjourned for January 18. 13:55 Artur Sakunts, a human rights activist who represents the legal successor of the Avetisyan familu at the trial, made a petition for all Russianservicemen to be removed from the hall. The judge announced a 15-minute break. 13.25 During the trial of Russian citizen Valery Permyakov, who is charged with murdering seven members of the Avetisyan family in Gyumri on January12, Yerem Sargsyan, a lawyer representing the legal successor of the victims at the trial, said they do not exclude that Permyakov broke into Avetisyans’ house to rob them, yet, it should not used as a reason to claim that he did not realize the consequences of his actions. Lawyer Lusine Sahakyan added that they do not deny that Permyakov might have had mental problems but ‘the question is whether he is a Satanist.’ “There is evidence that he was a member of a Satanist sect. In order to carry out a thorough investigation I suggest that all people of the group be examined,” she said. 11.10 A high-profile trial of a Russian serviceman charged with the murder of a seven-member Armenian family is opening at the Russian military base in Gyumri today. Valery Permyakov, 19, is accusing of murdering seven members of the Avetisyan family on January 12 in Armenia’s second largest city of Gyumri. According to the indictment, Permyakov killed Aida Avetisyan, Hasmik Avetisyan, Seryozha Avetisyan, Armen Avetisyan, Araksya Poghosyan and underage Hasmik Avetisyan firing 28 shots and hit 6-month old Seryozha Avetisyan with a cutting and piercing tool causing serious injuries. Little Seryozha survived only 7 days after the murder of his family members. Permyakov admitted murdering the Avetisyan family during his separate interrogations by Russian and Armenian law-enforcement officials, however his motives remain unclear. You can follow the live streaming of the trial on A1+.
