Suspect in Arthur Safarian murder case denies charge

Israel Sargsyan (nicknamed Iso) – a man detained in the 41-year-old Arthur Safarian murder case – denies the charge brought against him, I. Sargsyan’s lawyer Gayane Galoyan told Aysor.am. In her words, I. Sargsyan has only provided explanations, but was not questioned so far.

Israel Sargsyan was charged under Article 235 part 1 of the Criminal Code – illegal purchase, possession, sale or carrying of firearms, which is punished with an arrest of up to 3 months, or imprisonment of up to 3 years or a fine in the amount of up to 500 minimum wages.

Asked how Israel Sargsyan denying the charge of illegal arms possession explains his arrest and if it has anything to do with the arms found at Gor Vardanian’s Karate Federation, the lawyer said that I. Sargsyan did not speak about probable reasons for his arrest and he has nothing to do with the arms seized from G. Vardanian’s federation.

G. Galoyan added that she is likely to appeal the decision on I. Sargsyan’s arrest.

Israel Sargsyan was detained by the police at the intersection of Mashtots Avenue and Khorenatsi Streets in Yerevan on February 3 on suspicion of killing Arthur Safarian on January 27. A Beretta pistol was found on him and sent for tests, the police said. 41-year-old Arthur Safarian was shot and killed at the entrance of his house.