MOSCOW, January 18 (RAPSI) – Judge Arutyun Movsisyan refused to recuse himself from a case against Russian soldier Valery Permyakov who stands accused of killing seven members of a family in Armenia's city of Gyumri, RIA Novosti reported on Monday.

Human right activist Artur Sakunts asked to recuse the judge from the trial because of his subjective attitude. The motion was supported by a group of attorneys representing successors of the killed family. Permyakov did not oppose the judge’s self-disqualification. However, a prosecutor raised an objection.

As a result of an armed assault on January 12, a family of seven was killed, including a six-month-old baby that died of injuries a week later. Permyakov was arrested and later charged with the murder of two or more persons under the Armenian Criminal Code. He pled guilty later in January. His motives remain unknown. The murder case is being heard by an Armenian court.

On August 12, a court in Gyumri found Permyakov guilty of desertion and theft of weapons and sentenced him to 10 years in prison.

The murder case was singled out for considering it in a separate procedure and forwarded to the Armenian authorities.

On October 13, Permyakov was found sane. According to experts, he was not in the heat of passion while committing the crime. He also could recognize danger of his actions.

On October 16, Permyakov was additionally charged with armed assault, home-invasion robbery and attempted border crossing.

The soldier pleaded guilty to the charges brought against him.