YEREVAN (Noyan Tapan)–Military prosecutors in Armenia Tuesday officially charged 14 individuals on several counts for involvement in the October 27 shoot out in the Armenian National Assembly–which resulted the in the killing of prime minister Vazgen Sagsyan–parliament speaker Karen Demirchian and six others.
The group conducting preliminary investigation into the October 27 case announced that the investigation into the parliament blood-bath was completed and that the case was handed to the Supreme Court for trial–which could begin as early as September.
"We would remind you that 14 persons are charged with aiding and abetting–as well as perpetrating the terrorist act on October 27–1999," said chief investigator Artak Harutiunian.
Five suspected members of the commando group which stormed parliament have been charged with high treason–staging an attempted coup and terrorism. Nine other–mainly security guards in parliament–are accused of negligence in the execution of their duties or helping the gunmen.
Prosecutors said no evidence had been found to suggest that the killing had been ordered by a third party.
The portions of the prosecutor’s report concerning the individuals charged with unlawful possession of arms have been separated from the Oct. 27 case. The aforementioned persons are believed to have been involved in the crime and neglected their official duties–added Harutiunian.
Harutiunian also said that after the preliminary investigation is declared completed–the defendants–their lawyers and representatives of the victims will be afforded the opportunity to study the materials of the case within the terms set by the preliminary investigation body. Thereafter the case will be sent to court.