“I have expressed everything in the pre-investigation testimonies. I have the same testimonies. I stand next to the families of my colleagues who gave their lives and spilled their blood on that day,” Police Chief Valery Osipyan said to reporters regarding the ‘Sasna Tsrer’ armed group that was accused of taking over the Police Patrol Service Regiment and carrying out other crimes.
“I have my personal evaluation about all of this. When the time comes, I will express it. Since trials are still taking place, I think that everything will be clear. I hope and trust that the court will make the right decisions,” Mr. Osipyan confirmed.
He emphasized again. “The blood and lives of my colleagues are valuable to me. I am not prepared to change that with anyone’s opinions. I trust that my other colleagues share that opinion.”
On July 17th, 2016, the ‘Sasna Tsrer’ armed group took over the Police Patrol Service Regiment and took hostages, one of whom was the current police chief Valery Osipyan. Three police officers were killed, and nine members of the group were wounded. The armed group laid down their arms on July 31st. There is currently a trial going on. The majority of the members of the ‘Sasna Tsrer’ group are now free, and have created a political party.
Luiza Sukiasyan
