Sufficient Evidence That a Russian Soldier Killed a Gyumri Woman: Prosecutor's Clarification

Following the death of Gyumri resident J. Ghukasyan, a criminal case has been opened on December 2, 2023, under Article 112, Part 2, clause 14 of the RA Criminal Code, in accordance with the Criminal Procedure Code of the Republic of Armenia. Immediate investigative and procedural actions have been conducted, involving interrogations of both RA citizens and soldiers from the Russian 102nd Military Base, as well as the appointment of expert examinations, according to the press service of the RA Prosecutor's Office.

On December 10, sufficient evidence was obtained from the expert examination indicating that the crime was committed by A. R., a soldier of the 102nd Russian Military Base.

On December 11, A. R., who was serving at the 102nd Russian Military Base at the time, was arrested jointly by an investigator from the RA Investigative Committee and a representative of the Russian relevant authority, in accordance with Article 8 of the Agreement on jurisdictional and mutual legal assistance regarding the presence of the Russian military base in the territory of the Republic of Armenia. This article stipulates: “When there is a need to carry out procedural, operational investigative, or other actions by the relevant Armenian authorities in cases related to the jurisdiction of the RA on the territory of the Russian military base, these actions are carried out by the RA relevant authorities jointly with the Russian relevant authorities or at the written request of the RA relevant authorities by the Russian relevant authorities, provided that their execution does not contradict Russian legislation.”

After the arrest, A. R. could not be transferred from the territory of the Russian military base to the relevant institution for holding persons deprived of liberty, as this contradicts Russian legislation.

A. R. has been charged under Article 112, Part 2, clause 14 of the RA Criminal Code. On December 12, the Shirak Regional Court of General Jurisdiction applied a measure of restraint in the form of detention against A. R.

The court’s decision to detain the accused is being executed on the territory of the Russian 102nd Military Base. The investigator from the RA Investigative Committee is also carrying out all necessary investigative actions with the participation of the accused.

The investigation opened regarding this case is under the jurisdiction of the relevant authorities of the RA, and the proceedings are being executed by the relevant authorities of the RA in accordance with the procedures established by the RA Criminal Procedure Code, based on Article 4 of the Agreement. The latter, in particular, states that “in cases of crimes and other violations committed in the territory of the Republic of Armenia by persons included in the composition of the Russian military base and their family members, the legislation of the Republic of Armenia shall apply, and its relevant authorities shall act.”

All necessary measures have been and are being taken during the preliminary investigation to fully, objectively, and comprehensively clarify all the circumstances of the case, provide appropriate legal assessment to the actions of those responsible, and ensure their inevitable accountability.