The Butyrsky Court in Moscow has issued a posthumous verdict against Mikhail Khachaturian, the father of three sisters accused of his murder, finding him guilty of systematic violence against his daughters. This significant ruling, announced on April 21, 2025, comes nearly seven years after the tragic events of July 27, 2018, when the sisters—Kristina, Angelina, and Maria—killed their father in what they claim was an act of self-defense against years of abuse.
During the court proceedings, presiding judge Andrei Voronin stated, "Khachaturian is found guilty. The criminal proceedings are to be terminated due to his death." The court determined that Khachaturian had committed multiple offenses, including sexual violence against minors, intentional infliction of grievous bodily harm, and illegal production of pornography, all of which resulted in severe consequences for his daughters.
The sisters, who were aged 17 to 19 at the time of the incident, were present in the courtroom as the verdict was read. Their defense attorney, Yaroslav Pakulin, expressed hope that the court's ruling would lead to a reclassification of their actions as necessary self-defense, potentially resulting in the dismissal of charges against them. "Now the decision is up to the Investigative Committee. Today's court decision will become, after it enters into force, evidence of their innocence," Pakulin stated.
The case of the Khachaturian sisters has drawn significant public attention and sparked widespread discussions about domestic violence in Russia. Following their father's murder, the sisters were arrested and charged with murder by a group of persons through prior conspiracy. However, they have always maintained that their actions were a desperate response to years of abuse. The public outcry surrounding the case has been considerable, with demonstrations and support rallies held throughout the country, featuring notable figures such as Ksenia Sobchak and rapper Basta advocating for the sisters.
According to the investigation, Mikhail Khachaturian had a long history of abusing his daughters, subjecting them to physical and psychological torment. Reports indicate that they endured years of humiliation and violence, leading to the tragic events of that fateful night. The sisters called the police themselves after the incident, detailing the horrors they had faced at home.
In the aftermath of the murder, the case against Khachaturian was opened in 2021, leading to the recent court ruling. The investigation into the sisters' actions was complex, with their defense arguing that they acted out of necessity to protect themselves from further harm. As the legal proceedings continue, the sisters remain under investigation, living separately in Moscow, subject to restrictions that prevent them from seeing each other.
The Butyrsky Court's decision to find Khachaturian guilty posthumously has been met with mixed reactions. While the sisters' defense sees it as a step toward justice, relatives of Khachaturian have indicated plans to appeal the ruling, insisting on his innocence. The case's conclusion may have significant implications for how the sisters are treated under the law, potentially allowing them to argue that their actions were justified in the context of necessary defense.
As the legal saga continues, the Khachaturian sisters' story remains a poignant reminder of the complexities surrounding domestic violence and the sometimes tragic consequences of familial abuse. The court's ruling not only holds Khachaturian accountable for his actions but also highlights the urgent need for broader conversations about domestic violence and the support systems available for victims.
In conclusion, the Butyrsky Court's ruling serves as a critical juncture in the ongoing saga of the Khachaturian sisters, who have been living under the shadow of their father's legacy and the trauma of their past. The implications of this verdict will undoubtedly resonate within the legal community and among advocates for domestic violence awareness as they push for justice and reform.
