Armenian probe launched into murder cover-up at ex-mayor’s gas station

A criminal case has been launched in Armenia against employees of a gas station owned by the husband of former Etchmiadzin mayor Diana Gasparyan, over allegations they helped conceal a murder that occurred on the premises in March.

According to Armenia’s Investigative Committee, the station’s shift supervisor is accused of attempting to destroy evidence following the killing. Investigators say the supervisor allegedly instructed a staff member to clean up traces of blood and flush cartridge casings down a toilet, Caliber.Az reports per Armenian media.

The supervisor is now facing charges of assisting a person who committed a crime.

Earlier, local media reported that the Anti-Corruption Committee had questioned Diana Gasparyan’s husband in connection with the case. Gasparyan, who stepped down in May after serving seven years as mayor, cited a desire to focus on her family.

However, her relatives have previously been linked to a number of high-profile controversies during her time in office.

By Sabina Mammadli