30 Million Dram for Freedom: New Developments in the Murder Case of ‘Dghyak’ Store Owner

The owner of the ‘Dghyak’ store in Gyumri, Gurgen Asatryan, was murdered, and Ara Movsisyan, who is accused of the crime, has been released on bail of 30 million dram after five years in prison. The first-instance court granted the request of his lawyer, Levon Sahakyan. This information was shared by the AM Law Firm, which represents his interests, on their Facebook page.

According to Aravot.am, this high-profile murder occurred on May 14, 2016, on the Gars highway in Gyumri, in the yard of a barn adjacent to Ara Movsisyan's home. A clarification regarding interpersonal relations took place in Ara Movsisyan’s office, which escalated into an argument, turned into a scuffle, and culminated in murder; Gurgen Asatryan was shot and died.

According to the charges, “Ara Movsisyan fired twice with his pistol at Gurgen's right thigh and the front portion of the left side of his chest, causing two gunshot wounds, resulting in Gurgen's death and subsequently fled the scene.”

However, Ara Movsisyan did not accept the charge of intentional murder in court. He acknowledged that Gurgen Asatryan died as a result of his actions but stated that he acted solely in self-defense, as he was saving his life and that of those present. He mentioned that Gurgen Asatryan was under the influence of alcohol and had a knife with which he approached him, forcing him to defend himself. Movsisyan also indicated that their friend, Armen P., was also intoxicated and had been involved in an argument with Gurgen.

The court sessions were held in a highly tense atmosphere.