YEREVAN.- The Court of Appeals on Monday refused to change the measure of restraint against former presidential candidate Vardan Sedrakyan, Sirunyan lawyer company informed Armenian News-NEWS.am .

Thus, it means Vardan Sedrakyan will remain in custody.

The former presidential candidate is charged with giving the directive for the failed assassination attempt against fellow former presidential contender, opposition National Self-Determination Union Chairman, Paruyr Hayrikyan.

To note, an assassination attempt was made against former 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.

Also, a criminal case was opened in connection with the assassination attempt against Hayrikyan. It was 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. On February 7, formerly convicted Khachatur Poghosyan, and Samvel Harutyunyan were detained on suspicion of carrying out an assassination attempt against Paruyr Hayrikyan. And on February 10, Poghosyan, 46, and Harutyunyan, 40 were arrested. Both have pleaded guilty, but the motives of the assassination attempt are unclear to this day. Incidentally, both men had carried out remodeling in Vardan Sedrakyan’s home.