YEREVAN. – The death of Artur Sargsyan should not give cause for political speculations.

Vahram Baghdasaryan, head of the National Assembly faction of the ruling Republican Party of Armenia (RPA), stated the abovementioned at a press conference on Friday.

“Naturally, it’s a very painful incident; I condole with Artur’s family, relatives,” said Baghdasaryan. “[But] I also regret that there are political speculations in the case of such grief; we must refrain from these speculations.

“The law enforcement agencies are dealing with this case. There will be an investigation, and the law enforcement agencies will make a statement in connection with the causes [of his death]. If there was a failing, the guilty definitely will be punished.”

The RPA MP added that had it not been for the current parliamentary election campaign season, such accusations would not have been made against the incumbent authorities.

Artur Sargsyan, a.k.a. the Food Provider, died Thursday at “Armenia” Medical Center, in capital city of Yerevan

Sargsyan, who was charged with aiding the Sasna Tsrer armed group, was released from prison on December 31, 2016, since he had an illness that was incompatible with imprisonment. 

On February 9, however, he was arrested yet again.

Subsequently, Sargsyan went on hunger strike, and demanded that his preventive measure of arrest be commuted.

A few days ago, and with a written guarantee by several dozen MPs, he was released from prison and immediately hospitalized.

Several days ago, however, he left the hospital on his own volition.

But his health grew worse on Wednesday evening, and he was rushed to “Armenia” Medical Center, where he underwent surgery; but he did not regain consciousness after this operation.

The Sasna Tsrer armed group had taken over a police patrol regiment building in Yerevan, taken hostages, but later surrendered, in July 2016. 

On July 26, Artur Sargsyan had broken through a police wall with a vehicle loaded with food, and delivered food to the members of this armed group.

Sargsyan, 48, was a sculptor and a wood engraver.