YEREVAN. – Armenian presidential contender, opposition National Self-Determination Union Chairman Paruyr Hayrikyan—who is recovering at hospital from a gunshot wound—was questioned along the lines of the criminal case that is opened into the assassination attempt that was staged against him. National Security Service (NSS) Press Secretary Artsvin Baghramyan told this to Armenian News-NEWS.am. He added that Hayrikyan is recognized as the injured party.    

In Baghramyan’s words, operative investigation activities are being conducted with regards to all theories concerning this incident, all the theories are being checked out, and the respective investigation is in progress.   

As Armenian News-NEWS.am informed earlier, an assassination attempt was made against presidential candidate, opposition National Self-Determination Union Chairman Paruyr Hayrikyan, on January 31 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 on the morning of February 1, 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.