Opposition activist and former Republican Party MP Mihran Hakobyan was attacked in Yerevan. Unknown masked assailants attacked him near a shopping center. Authorities have opened a criminal case for causing moderate bodily harm by a group of individuals motivated by hooliganism.
Lawyer Ruben Melikyan reported that Hakobyan suffered a broken nose and a concussion. Melikyan attributes the attack solely to the victim's opposition activities and political views.
Opposition MP Tigran Abrahamyan also stated that Hakobyan had no personal conflicts or animosity and believes the attack was related to his political statements and opinions. Abrahamyan called the incident "an instrument of the criminal authorities."
Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan condemned the attack on Facebook, noting that violence has no place in Armenia. He stressed the need to identify and legally assess those who call for or resort to violence.
