Armenian trial of Russian soldier opens at military base

Valeriy Permyakov, 19, is accused of committing murders in an apparent shooting rampage in the house of the Avetisyans in the northwestern city of Gyumri on 12 January. The conscript of the Russian 102nd military base's tank battalion from Chita admitted to the charges of murders and armed robbery during the preliminary investigation.

The court trial is open, bailiffs, Armenian policemen, as well as relatives and legal successors of the victims are present in the courtroom, News.am said. Justice Harutyun Movsisyan of the Shirak general jurisdiction court is presiding over the trial. Large tents have been put up at the Russian base where screens have been installed to relay the hearings live, the report added.

BBCM note: Last August Permyakov was already tried by Russia's military court and sentenced to 10 years in prison on desertion and arms and ammunition stealing charges. He faces up to a life sentence under the indictment of the Armenian court.