Russian Military Base Responds to Gyumri Murders

Deputy Commander, Colonel Alexei Polyukhovich of the 102nd Russian Military Base in Gyumri.

“The military command and staff of the base are shocked by the terrible tragedy.” This is what Deputy Commander, Colonel Alexei Polyukhovich of the 102nd Russian military base said about the murder of the six members of the Avetisyan family in Gyumri by Russian soldier Valery Permyakov.

“All of us together are mourning with our brothers, the Armenian people. We extend our condolences to the family and friends of the victims. The centuries-old friendship between the Armenian and Russian people has been tested many times during the Turkish war and also during many terrible natural disasters. Now it’s of another trial. People who commit such crimes do not have a nationality. I assure everyone, that the person who carried out this horrible crime will bear the most severe punishment. Presently, investigation teams from the Republic of Armenia and the Russian Federation are implementing an objective and thorough investigation into this brutal crime. The military command will provide comprehensive assistance to the family of the victims. We are relying on your understanding and support. Only together, shoulder to shoulder will we be able to overcome any difficulty,” said Polyukovich.

The suspect, Valery Permyakov, killed the six members of the Avetisyan family on January 12 in Gyumri. The victims are Seryozha Avetisyan (b.1961), Hasmik Avetisyan (b. 1979), Aida Avetisyan (b.1981), Armen Avetisyan (b.1990), Araksya Poghosyan, and two-year-old Hasmik Avetisyan.

Following the gruesome murder, a nationwide manhunt ensued. Permyakov was apprehended in the late evening of January 12 trying to cross the Armenia-Turkey border near the village of Bayandur. He is currently in custody at the Russian Military Base. On January 14, was officially charged by Armenia’s investigative committee.