Boris Avakyan, the former deputy head of the St. Petersburg department of Rosreestr, who had fled the courtroom the day before and taken refuge in the Armenian Consulate in St. Petersburg, was found dead in the restroom of the diplomatic mission. Reports about this were disseminated by the Telegram channels Baza and Mash, as well as the TV channel REN and the online publication 78.ru.
According to media sources, Avakyan took his own life. Baza reports that the former official slit his wrists. The mentioned Telegram channel also published photos showing a man lying on the floor next to a toilet, and a sink with a bloodied knife.
Mash reported that Avakyan was last in contact at 02:30 Moscow time. At that moment, he was discussing his further defense strategy with his lawyer. The lawyer told the Telegram channel that his client's voice did not sound depressed.
After this conversation, the former official locked himself in the restroom of the Armenian Consulate and did not come out, ignoring requests from the diplomatic mission staff. When Avakyan stopped responding, the door had to be broken down, notes 47news. According to the publication, employees of the Russian Investigative Committee and police have not yet gained access to the consulate—this requires the consul's permission.
In connection with the incident, the diplomatic mission has suspended its work until September 25.