Armenian artist to create Ded Hasan monument

A Russian-Armenian sculptor has been ordered to create a monument to Ded Hasan (Aslan Usoyan), the notorious mafia king killed in Moscow earlier this month, RIA Novosti reported.

The artist, Aram Grigoryan, is said to be wondering why the issue has sparked a wide uproar in the media. “When a doctor has to treat someone, he never asks who the patient is. He just treats him. Such is the case with me,” he was quoted as saying.

Grigoryan said he sees nothing strange about the plan. “I was born in Armenia, and I know the Yezidis’ history [Ded Hasan was an ethnic Yezidi]. So it is easier for me to create pieces, following the Yezidis’ rules,” he explained.

Back in 2009, the artist had struck a medal with Ded Hassan’s image. “They said he liked it a lot. He later wanted to meet me,” Grigoryan said.

The sculptor added that he has already sent two sketches to Usoyan’s relatives and is now waiting for their approval before starting his work.