According to the mayor of Askeran, domestic violence was used as a means of oppression, as stated in a report by the defenders of the mayor, Vahe Ephrikian and Aram Vardanyan. The court, presided over by judge R. Marikyan, found enough evidence to support their claims against Hak Shambiryan, the mayor of Askeran. The mayor also transferred 5 million drams to Artsakh, while his nationality is currently under investigation.