YEREVAN. – The assassination attempt against Armenia’s presidential candidate, opposition National Self-Determination Union Chairman Paruyr Hayrikyan—who is at hospital where he is recovering from a gunshot wound—is still at the questioning phase. The respective investigation team member Artur Aghajanyan told this to Armenian News-NEWS.am.  

Also, in his words, the composite sketch of the shooter is not yet made, and the circle of the suspects is not yet determined.  

To the remark that Hayrikyan suspects outside forces in his shooting, Aghajanyan responded: “I cannot say anything more at this time.” 

To note, Hayrikyan was questioned for approximately four hours on Saturday, and for close to two hours on Sunday.

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.