The Democratic Party of Armenia has expressed its frustration on the murder attempt against “Self Determination Union” leader, presidential candidate Paruyr Hayrikyan.

The statement released by the party says:

“Only the enemies of Armenian nation and Armenian country could organize and implement such a provocative act.

Undoubtedly, this is not the first time in our independent country, when where there was an attempt to destabilize the internal situation in the country and provoke chaos, to disturb the normal process of elections.

We highly appreciate our colleague Paruyr Hayrikyan’s input in the democratization of our country and find the attempt against him directed also against the international prestige of Armenian Republic.

While condemning the event, we voice our assurance that the authorities of Armenia, law enforcement agencies will use all the available methods to uncover this disgusting crime, to punish the organizers and the executants.”

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 11:20 p.m. 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. 

The case was opened under Article 34-305 of the Criminal Code of Armenia (attempted murder of state, political or public figure, committed to stop his activities, shall be punished by imprisonment for a term of 12-20 years or life imprisonment). A joint investigation group, which includes the police and National Security Service, has been created.