Mihran Hakobyan Assaulted After Public Remarks: Armenia Has an Authoritarian Regime

Today, at around 14:45, human rights defender Ruben Melikyan sounded an alarm on his Facebook page.

 “A short while ago, a gang-style attack took place against public figure Mihran Hakobyan in the Dalma Mall parking lot. The attackers were masked and unexpectedly assaulted him from behind. Mihran sustained bodily injuries and is now being taken to Izmirlian Medical Center,” Melikyan wrote.

 “I am more than certain that this attack would not have happened had law enforcement solved the crime of the grenade thrown in front of Mihran’s house in 2021,” he added.

Speaking to reporters in Izmirlian Medical Center, Ruben Melikyan said he could not explain the attack on Mihran Hakobyan by anything other than Hakobyan’s public and civic activities.

 “I see no other reason. He has a broken nose and other injuries. In any case, doctors have instructed that he stay in the hospital for at least one day,” Melikyan said, adding that the police have already taken a report of the crime and are properly carrying out their duties.

Narek Galstyan, the director of 24News.am, also emphasized that the incident is linked to Mihran Hakobyan’s public statements and work.

 “I am sure he was chased, because the attack took place in a place Mihran does not often visit. He was simply in that area for work-related reasons. In any case, Mihran is a strong guy; if they hoped this would break him, their hopes will not come true,” Galstyan said.

According to political analyst Armen Minasyan, the attack on Mihran Hakobyan carries a warning message.

“Such an attack in broad daylight is highly demonstrative; it sends a short message—stop,” Minasyan said.

The details are presented in the video.