Armenia’s Accession to Customs Union Began with Attack on Soviet Dissident

Union for National Self-Determination leader, former presidential candidate, and Soviet dissident Paruyr Hayrikyan is disappointed with the results of the case of the assassination attempt on him ahead of the presidential election earlier this year. Speaking to reporters in Yerevan today, Hayrikyan said the court has taken no steps to determine who sent $100,000 from Russia to former presidential candidate Vardan Sedrakyan, whom the court has accused of organized the murder attempt. 

Hayrikyan and his attorney, Levon Baghdasaryan, announced the $100,000 transfer back in June, which Sedrakyan's attorney had denied.


"The preliminary investigation and judicial bodies didn't inquire about the $3 million played, $250,000 of which was lost. As for how that money appeared in the possession of a person who proudly says he hasn't worked and will not work, though his car is more expensive than Hayrikyan's [no one knows]," said Hayrikyan himself. 

Speaking about the political subtext of the assassination attempt, Hayrikyan said that "Armenia's accession to the Customs Union began with the shot fired on Jan. 31." On Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan's statement on joining the Customs Union, Hayrikyan said that joining the EU would've been more advantageous for Armenia. 

"The Customs Union ideology is adoration of Russian imperialism; the European Union's, human rights and freedoms," he said. 

The Soviet dissident does not intend to take any action or protest even if the criminals have been released from prison, since he believes that a criminal also has the right to be protected.

"There are many like them, and what difference does it make if three more or less people roam the streets? For me at least, it was important for the case to be resolved publicly. I'm glad that my prediction turned out to be right: the $100,000 was sent from Russia, and the court did not rule independently not to examine the witnesses in this case, but rather listened to the criminals' request," he said. 


Hayrikyan said that he hasn't had time to speak with his attorney in detail, but after speaking him, he might appeal the verdict on some issues. 

"I assure you, it won't be a move to complicate the already deplorable situation of the convicted persons; such a move is ruled out," he concluded.