Vendetta Not Excluded in Akhalkalaki, Says Artak Gabrielyan

The large-scale brawl and murder that took place in Akhalkalaki stemmed from a domestic dispute between two parties that occurred years ago. Artak Gabrielyan, coordinator of the Union of Armenian Public Organizations in Javakheti, revealed to NEWS.am that the conflict escalated on August 8.

“There was a domestic dispute between the two sides years ago, which has continued until now. In the morning of August 8, a brawl occurred between the two parties. According to preliminary information, the side of the deceased went to the village to gather his friends and then came to the city to settle some scores. That’s where the murder occurred. Subsequently, supporters of the victim set fire to the murderer’s house, his parental house, his hotel, and two other houses. A total of four houses and one hotel were burned,” Gabrielyan stated.

He noted that currently there are no injured individuals: “Those who sustained minor injuries were discharged from the hospital that same day.” When asked how this might affect the Armenian community, Gabrielyan responded that this was not a community dispute: “I don’t think there will be any repercussions. A vendetta might also occur as a continuation of this incident. Law enforcement forces from the regional level are currently concentrated in the city. As of yesterday, there was a security measure established at the city entrances.”

It should be noted that unrest began in Akhalkalaki after the murder of 27-year-old Vardik Marabyan, a resident of the village of Kulikami, and another 27-year-old Armenian has been arrested.