YEREVAN.- Heritage party announced assassination attempt against its leader and former presidential candidate Raffi Hovannisian.

The statement released by the party said on Saturday evening, an unknown man, violently crying, rushed toward Hovannisian. The statement claims policemen did not hurry to help, while those present in the square, neutralized the man.  

“We deeply regret that we have to express our disappointment with the action of the Police which, performing illegal political orders, at the same time failed to provide proper assistance in an assassination attempt on Raffi Hovannisian and failed to ensure the safety of citizens,” the statement reads.  

“Furthermore, we call on the police to immediately reveal the identity of the likely killer and to inform the public about all the details of the criminal case to be opened against him,” the party said. .

Answering the question of Armenian News - NEWS.am on whether Heritage party believes the incident was a political order, spokesman Hovsep Khurshudyan said he would refrain from making assessments.

“Investigation will show everything,” he said, adding that the reason for 2-day delay in announcing the assassination attempt, was “unready press release.”

Photo by Arsen Sargsyan/NEWS.am