Mihran Hakobyan had no personal issues; the attack is clearly linked to his public activities, says lawyer

There is no explanation for the use of violence against public figure Mihran Hakobyan other than his public activities, lawyer Ruben Melikyan told reporters.

“There were no personal issues. It is clear that the attack is connected to his public activity. Yes, the beneficiaries of this are the authorities or certain factions within the authorities,” Melikyan stated.

He noted that Hakobyan had published sharply critical statements. “The state and law enforcement agencies now have an important opportunity to conduct a prompt and thorough investigation,” he said, adding that several police officers had already visited Hakobyan.

“They are doing their job – let them uncover the circumstances so everyone can understand what happened,” he added.

Melikyan said Hakobyan’s condition is still being assessed. “I can only say that there are visible injuries on his face,” he noted.

According to him, there were at least three attackers, all wearing masks.

When asked whether reports that Hakobyan had been followed for several days were accurate, Melikyan said he had received the same information but could not independently confirm it.

He also recalled that this was not the first attack on Hakobyan. “In 2021, a grenade was thrown under a car parked in front of his house. The car was damaged, and no perpetrator or suspect was ever identified. I am convinced that if that incident had been solved, this would not have happened,” he said.

Public figure Mihran Hakobyan was attacked in the parking lot of Dalma Mall. The assailants, wearing masks, approached him from behind. He sustained injuries and was taken to Izmirlyan Medical Center.