GYUMRI. – Some matters in connection with the case into the murder of the Avetisyan family of Gyumri, Armenia, are still unclear for the Mayor of Gyumri, Samvel Balasanyan.

Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, the one-year anniversary of the brutal killing of this family, Balasanyan expressed the hope, however, that the murder trial will provide answers to all the issues of concern.

The mayor added that he sees no problem in conducting this trial at the Russian military base in Gyumri, and expressed confidence that all conditions have been created to conduct a proper trial at the base.

At 1pm, a requiem service in memory of the slain Avetisyan family was offered at the Gyumri municipal cemetery.

And at 5:30pm, a liturgy and a candlelight vigil will be held at the Holy Mother of God Church in the city. 

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, 2015; 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.

The respective trial began on December 18. The court hearings, however, are taking place in the Russian military base.