‘There are facts, there are analysis results’: Father of brutally murdered family in Pemzashen opens up

The father of the brutally murdered family in Pemzashen, Sevak Meliksetyan, told Hraparak.am in an interview that the murderers, in his description, are the two arrested individuals. “There are facts, there are analysis results; how can one even doubt that these maniacs did not kill?” Sevak stated.

Below is an excerpt from the publication:

“- When that terrible incident occurred, various conversations and theories emerged. There was even suspicion that Azerbaijanis crossed the border and conducted a diversion.

- You know our Armenian people, they say anything. This nation believes in everything: maniacs, degenerates. They think I’m some billionaire…. It is a fact that they are maniacs.

- Arkadi Barseghyan's defense attorney claims that his client is innocent. Are you convinced that the murderers are indeed the arrested individuals? Are there no other suspects?

- There are facts, there are analysis results, one of which has accepted guilt.

- Where are the family members of the alleged criminals?

- They have fled, taken away…. Even if I do nothing, the villagers will take care of it for me. No one can blame me; let the accusers blame those. They should be brought and placed in front of the village. I will do as I wish; who can say anything to me?

- Are you following the court proceedings?

- There have been two sessions, the detention was extended, but there is nothing else yet. The entire village is waiting for the end of all this.

- Were those men your friends?

- No, what friends? How could anyone be friends with those degenerates? They are mentally ill.

- Have they ever come to your house?

- Why would I have anything to do with such a degenerate? I have never had any connection with them. There was no friendship with that Arkadi either, but they were not my friends.

- Did you have any debts with them?

- No, what debts? Who are they that a normal person could communicate with them? If they bring them to my house, I would do the worst thing that can come to your mind. What do you think, should I be wise and stay out of it? My mornings start at the graves.

- Do you trust the law enforcement agencies?

- If this case is not going to be justly considered, and if the guilty parties are to remain free, let everyone know that one day they will be entering their own homes. No one is insured against such things in this life. This is all our business; the sooner everything is uncovered, the better. My children were so good and so smart; even now, their photos are hung on the school wall. They were the meaning of my life…

- Now where are you living, with whom?

- With my sister and my uncle. Until we see what comes to our heads.”

It should be reminded that the bodies of a 31-year-old resident of Pemzashen village and his 12 and 8-year-old children were found on November 9 in their home’s bedroom. The hands of the murdered woman and the hands and feet of one of the children were tied. A criminal case has been initiated based on Article 155, Part 1, and Article 155, Part 2, Item 5 of the RA Criminal Code.