YEREVAN. – Representatives of the legal heirs of the Avetisyan family members—who were killed on January 12 in Gyumri, Armenia—have submitted a petition requesting defendant—and Russian soldier—Valery Permyakov undergo forensic psychological and psychiatric evaluation. 

One of the aforesaid legal heirs’ representative, Lusine Sahakyan, stated about this at a press conference on Monday. But she noted that they have no hope that the Armenian side will provide a real conclusion.

“It was apparent, during the trial that was held at the Russian military base [in Gyumri], that Permyakov has problems, whereas according to the expert conclusion, he is completely healthy,” said Sahakyan. “This conclusion, however, can’t correspond to reality; a person can’t sleep-wake up during his own trial, [and] sit with his back to the [court session’s] hall and never once turn back during the entire [time].”

In the attorney’s words, if Permyakov was not aggressive, he must have had serious motives for killing seven people. As per Lusine Sahakyan, if this hypothesis is confirmed, the Armenian side needs to determine these motives.

Attorney Yervand Varosyan, for his part, added that the Russian soldier’s inertness during the trial was dubious for him, too.

On August 12, a Russian military court sentenced Valery Permyakov to ten years in prison for military desertion.

The Armenian side, on the other hand, will examine the case into the brutal killing of the Avetisyan family. 

The respective reports have been forwarded to the Investigative Committee of Armenia.