Police start probe into assassination attempt
A criminal case has been opened in connection with the assassination attempt against Paruyr Hayrikyan, the Armenian Police said in a statement released earlier today.
The case was instigated under Articles 34 and 305 of the Criminal Code (an assassination attempt against a statesman, political or public figure). The crime is punishable by imprisonment for a term of 12-20 years or life imprisonment.
The investigation will be conducted by the National Security Service. A joint investigation team composed of employees of the police and NSS has been set up to probe the incident.
One 7.62-mm-caliber bullet was found at the site of the incident.
Paruyr Hayrikyan, Chairman of the Union of National Self-Determination Union, was taken to hospital late on Thursday after an unidentified attacker opened fire at him in a central Yerevan street, wounding the presidential candidate in his right collarbone. Doctors said the wound was not life-threatening.
