Former Artashat Mayor Ordered the Murder of a Clergyman for Revenge

During the criminal proceedings conducted by the Investigative Committee of Armenia in the serious crimes investigation department of Yerevan, as well as as a result of operational-investigative measures carried out by the National Security Service (NSS) of Armenia, it has been established that the murder of clergyman S.V. that took place on April 30, 2023, near an entrance of a building on Myasnikyan Avenue in Yerevan was ordered by A.A., the former head of the Artashat community and former parliament member. The Investigative Committee of Armenia has reported this.

“In particular, as a result of planned, comprehensive evidentiary and procedural actions, it has been clarified that A.A. sought to take revenge on S.V. for allegedly having personal relations with his wife, E.T., a member of the 'Christian Christians of the Gospel' religious organization, as well as for allegedly giving large amounts of money to her. However, he decided not to carry out the criminal intent himself but through a loyal individual, G.H., who was financially and personally dependent on him and worked for his security.

A.A. influenced G.H. using his authority and G.H.’s loyalty and willingness to execute orders and urged him to kill S.V. Accepting A.A.'s order as a commission, G.H. fatally shot S.V. in front of an apartment building located at 2 Myasnikyan St. in Yerevan on April 30, 2023.

During the investigation of the criminal case, public criminal prosecution was initiated against A.A. based on the request of the investigator, following the decision of the supervising prosecutor, citing Article 46-155 of the Criminal Code, part 2, point 11 (inducing commission of murder by order).

On August 8, 2026, based on the investigator's decision, A.A. was arrested by NSS officers with the aim of presenting him to the court for the purpose of applying detention as a preventive measure.

It should be noted that for the unlawful deprivation of life of S.V., public criminal prosecution was initiated against G.H. under Article 155, part 1 (murder) and Article 335, part 1 (illegal circulation of firearms) of the Criminal Code, and in April 2024, the criminal proceedings were sent to court with an accusatory conclusion.

The preliminary investigation continues, and urgent investigative and procedural actions are being carried out to clarify all circumstances of the case,” the statement reads.