Russian military prosecutors to back charge at Permyakov trial

The Russian military prosecutor’s office will participate in the trial of soldier Valery Permyakov charged with killing an Armenian family in Gyumri, Russia’s chief military prosecutor Sergey Fridinsky was quoted as saying by Interfax.

When asked if the Russian military prosecutor’s office will back the charge in the case, Fridinsky said: “I think we will do it”.

He stressed that the Russian military prosecutor’s office is prepared for this. “Charges were brought both in Russia and Armenia. Joint work is underway now. Let’s wait until the trial and then we will decide what to do,” he said, adding that after the completion of the investigation, a decision will be made about which court will hear the case.

“Eventually, the Supreme Court has the right to decide issues related to jurisdiction in exceptional cases”, Fridinky said noting that “no one has so far taken a final decision”.

He did not specify the date when the investigation will be completed.