Court Posthumously Convicts Father of Sexual Abuse in High-Profile Case Following Daughters Murder Charges

A court in Moscow has posthumously convicted a man, Mikhail Khachaturyan, who was killed by his daughters nearly seven years ago, of sexually abusing them, according to Russian media reports on Monday.

Krestina, Angelina, and Maria Khachaturyan acknowledged killing their father in July 2018, citing years of physical, psychological, and sexual mistreatment they endured.

Initially charged with premeditated murder, the sisters were placed under house arrest. However, their lawyers have expressed optimism that the charges may be dropped, especially after investigators officially recognized them as victims in 2021.

The case attracted significant public attention in Russia and sparked a debate within society. Supporters argue that the sisters acted in self-defense due to the government’s inadequate protection for victims of domestic violence, while detractors label them as murderers.

On Monday, the Butyrsky District Court declared Mikhail Khachaturyan guilty of sexual violence, causing serious bodily harm, and producing pornography, according to the legal news agency Rapsi. The judge closed the case following his death.

The proceedings took place behind closed doors.

One of the sisters’ lawyers, Alexei Parshin, mentioned that he now anticipates that investigators will change the classification of the sisters’ actions to self-defense. Attorneys representing Mikhail Khachaturyan have indicated their intention to appeal the court’s decision.

Another attorney for the sisters, Yaroslav Pakulin, previously stated that their trial would not commence until the case against their father was resolved.