Surgery performed on an Armenian presidential candidate Paruyr Hayrikian, who faced an attempt on his life last night, was successfully operated on at the Medical Centre of St. Gregory the Illuminator, 1in.am reports.
After the operation, doctors told the politician's relatives that the surgery was successful and Hayrikyan's state is stable.
Hayrikyan was shot in the shoulder on Tpagrichneri Street (Pechatniki) in the centre of Yerevan, where his parents reside. Doctors assessed the victim's condition as being moderate. Apparently, the bullet was removed in the morning.
Legal proceedings were instituted under Article 34-305 of the Criminal Code of Armenia (attempted murder of a statesman, political or public figure committed for termination of his activities and shall be punished by imprisonment for a term of 10 to 15 years, or life imprisonment). A joint investigation group consisting of law enforcement officers and National Security Service employees has been created. The case is under the jurisdiction of the National Security Service.
According to the Constitution of Armenia, in the event of insurmountable obstacles for a candidate, the election of the president is postponed for two weeks.
The sixth Armenian presidential election will be held Feb.18 from 08:00 to 20:00 local time. The head of state is elected for five years.
Those running for the presidency are the incumbent president and ruling Republican Party leader Serzh Sargsyan, former Prime Minister Grant Bagratyan, chairman of the Heritage Party Raffi Hovhannisyan, Paruyr Hayrikyan, Arman Melikyan, Andrias Ghukasyan, Vardan Setrakyan and the leader of the National Accord Party Aram Harutyunyan.