8000 ARMENIANS SIGN PETITION TO HAND RUSSIAN SOLDIER OVER TO LOCAL AUTHORITIES

Kavkazskiy Uzel , Russia
Jan 24 2015

A reported 8000 Armenians have signed a petition demanding that
Russian contract soldier Valery Permyakov, who has been accused of
murdering an Armenian family, be handed over to the Armenian police,
Kavkazskiy Uzel news website reported on 24 January.

Currently, Permyakov is reportedly in custody at the Russian military
base in Gyumri, Armenia.

An activist interviewed by the website, Narek Aivazyan, was quoted
as saying the original goal had been to collect 10000 signatures.

He noted, however, that a part of the demands had been met since
Armenian police are investigating the 12 January murder.

The website, however, quoted lawyer Lusine Saakyan as saying even were
“a million” signatures, the petition would not have any legal power.

The petition could help civil engagement around the issue grow into
a political fight, however, noted Manvel Sarkisyan, the director of
the Armenian Institute of National and Strategic Research.