The trial into the murder of seven members of the Avetisyan family in Gyumri city, in the Shirak Province of Armenia, got underway Friday in the city.

Even though the case is examined by the Court of General Jurisdiction of Shirak Province, the court hearing is held at the 102nd Russian Military Base in Gyumri.

The defendant, Russian soldier Valery Permyakov who is charged with the brutal murder of the Avetisyan family, has an interpreter and an attorney.

The slain family’s relatives and legal successors are also in the courtroom.

Six members of the Avetisyan family—including a two-year-old girl—were shot dead, and a six-month-old baby—Seryozha Avetisyan—was wounded in their house in Gyumri on January 12; but the baby boy died in hospital one week later.

Valery Permyakov, a serviceman of the 102nd Russian Military Base in the city, is charged with these murders.

Armenia and Russia instituted criminal cases on charges of murder and military desertion, respectively.

On August 12, the Russian court sentenced Permyakov to ten years in prison.

And on October 16, Armenia formally brought criminal charges against the Russian soldier.