Authorities probe assault on Armenian opposition activist

Armenian law-enforcement authorities have launched a criminal investigation into an assault on opposition activist and former MP Mihran Hakobyan.

Hakobyan suffered a broken nose and head injuries after a group of masked men attacked him near Yerevan’s Dalma Garden Mall on Monday. He remains hospitalized.

The Investigative Committee says the criminal case has been opened under Article 167(2) of Armenia’s Criminal Code, which pertains to hooliganism involving moderate health damage.

Opposition figures and analysts have decried the assault, claiming it could be linked to his public and political activity.