GYUMRI. – Relatives of the Avetisyan family that was brutally murdered in Gyumri 40 days ago entered the house for the first time since January 12 when the family was killed. (photos)

The 40th day after death is a traditional memorial service and family gathering in Armenia. Relatives, strangers, representatives of Heritage party Raffi Hovannisian and Zaruhi Postanjyan gathered near the Avetisyan's house.

The family and friends of the Avetisyan said they have no information about the investigation and are not confident that the crime will be solved.

“We are not afraid of anything. If Armenia fails to settle the issue, we will petition to the European Court. If the president is not supporting us, what shall we do? We will wait for three days and will show you what the protest actions is unless there is any information about the case,” the sisters of the killed Hasmik Avetisyan told reporters. 

Relatives are confident that it was a masterminded murder which means it would never be solved.

As reported earlier, six members of the Avetisyan family—including a two-year-old girl—were shot dead, and a six-month-old baby was wounded in their house in Gyumri on January 12; and the baby boy died in hospital on January 19. Valery Permyakov, a serviceman of the 102nd Russian Military Base in Gyumri, stands accused in this crime. The soldier is charged under Russian law, with “the murder of more than two people” and “desertion with a service weapon.”