YEREVAN. – Armenia’s presidential candidate, opposition National Self-Determination Union (NSU) Chairman Paruyr Hayrikyan—who is at capital city Yerevan’s Surb Grigor Lusavorich Medical Center as a result of a gunshot wound—came out of the hospital’s intensive care department on foot, on Saturday morning, and greeted and spoke with those that had gathered outside (photos). 

Hayrikyan said he feels well, the night had passed all right, and he had no pain. He noted that even though the physicians recommended him not to walk, every man is his own doctor, and he is walking, he feels well, and can even go home. Although the doctors Hayrikyan told that he should stay at the hospital for a week, he believes he will leave sooner.     

The presidential contender reiterated that he is against the designating of a new presidential election. He said they have agreed to postpone the vote—which is slated for February 18—for two weeks, but he has not yet made a final decision in this respect.  

The NSU leader added that he fears God alone. 

Also, we asked Paruyr Hayrikyan whether or not he will carry a gun and use the services of bodyguards after this incident. He responded by saying that he will do what the law permits. 

When Hayrikyan was coming out of the hospital ward, National Assembly Deputy Speaker, ruling Republican Party Spokesperson Eduard Sharmazanov came to visit him. Sharmazanov greeted the presidential candidate, asked him about his health, and, subsequently, they entered Hayrikyan’s hospital room together to speak.  

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. 

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.

Photo by Arsen Sargsyan/NEWS.am