YEREVAN. - Armenian Police expressed deep regrets in regards of the attack on the presidential candidate Paruyr Hayrikyan and assured that within their authority they will take all necessary measures to prevent and uncover the crime.

Underscoring importance to ensure the natural course of the electoral process, the Police, back on January 17, in their statement announced their readiness to ensure the safety of the presidential candidates, in particular by providing escorts. Armenian Police reiterate their readiness, within the framework of the powers, to ensure the safety of candidates and encourages them to take advantage of this opportunity.

As Armenian News-NEWS.am informed earlier, an assassination attempt was made against presidential candidate, opposition National Self-Determination Union Chairman Paruyr Hayrikyan, on Thursday at around 11:20pm in downtown Yerevan, in front of his home. Hayrikyan was shot and hospitalized with a gunshot wound . He underwent a successful surgery Friday morning, and a bullet—which was located in the soft tissues of his right elbow shoulder—was removed. 

Numerous senior officials, politicians, and other presidential contenders are coming to the hospital to visit him.

A criminal case is opened in connection with the assassination attempt against Paruyr Hayrikyan. It is launched on charges of carrying out an assassination attempt against a statesman, political or public figure, which—that is, the attempt—is carried out to end this person’s noted activities. This crime is punishable by imprisonment for 12-20 years, or life in prison. The National Security Service is conducting the investigation.