YEREVAN. – There are objective prerequisites to be able solve the case into the assassination attempt that was staged against Armenia’s presidential candidate, opposition National Self-Determination Union Chairman Paruyr Hayrikyan, who is recovering at hospital from a gunshot wound.   

Specifically, a Nagant M1895 Revolver was found at the home of one of the arrestees and, according to the opinion by experts, the bullet that was found at the scene of the incident was fired from this gun, the National Security Service Press Center informs.

In addition, in their testimonies the arrestees noted the developments that occurred on the day of—and several days prior to—the incident, and these developments fully—or partially—match the information that was received prior to the arrest of the suspects.   

At the same time, the body that is conducting the criminal proceedings continues to check the other details which the arrestees have given and the remaining theories which were made at the start of the investigation.  

As Armeian 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 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. And on Thursday, formerly convicted Khachatur Poghosyan (born in 1966), and Samvel Harutyunyan (born in 1972) were arrested on suspicion of carrying out an assassination attempt against Paruyr Hayrikyan.