Law Enforcement in Artsakh Identifies Suspect in Murder of Citizen in Martakert, Says Prosecutor's Office

The law enforcement agencies of the Republic of Artsakh have obtained sufficient evidence to identify the person responsible for the murder of Aram TePnantz in Martakert, according to the Artsakh Prosecutor's Office.

"As previously reported by the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Artsakh, on October 9, 2021, during agricultural work on a plot of land located in the administrative territory of the Martakert urban community, a resident of Martakert, Aram Alexeyevich TePnantz, born in 1966, was fatally shot in the chest by gunfire from an Azerbaijani position nearby," the statement said.

A criminal case has been initiated by an investigator of the Artsakh Investigative Committee under Article 103, Part 2, Point 14 of the Criminal Code of Artsakh, which covers murder committed with national, racial, or religious hatred or fanaticism as a motive. Expert examinations have been appointed, and urgent investigative and other procedural actions are being carried out.

The preliminary investigation body has obtained evidence sufficient to identify the weapon used in the crime and the perpetrator," the statement added.

According to the source, the Azerbaijani side has not yet issued an official statement regarding the initiation of criminal proceedings in connection with the incident.

The Prosecutor's Office of Artsakh informs that the law enforcement agencies are prepared to present the evidence to the Russian peacekeeping forces, which confirm the criminal encroachment by the Azerbaijani armed forces against a citizen of Artsakh.

It is noted that Azerbaijan, being a member of the European Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms, has undertaken the obligation to respect the right to life. By failing to fulfill its obligations under the Convention, the Azerbaijani side once again allows the conclusion (in which the Armenian population of Artsakh has long been convinced) that such criminal acts are organized and directed in nature and cease to be merely acts against individuals, carrying a terrorist character and purpose.