Hayk Alumyan Should Do the Right Thing and Change His Name, Says MP

During a press briefing with journalists today at the National Assembly, MP Hayk Sargsyan from the 'My Step' faction stated that he has closed the entrance to the court, thus expressing support for his constituents. 'I learned that the Prime Minister made such a call and I went to the courts. I was in front of the court with citizens who share our political team's opinion.'

Journalists noted that the defense team of the second President of Armenia, Robert Kocharyan, particularly attorney Hayk Alumyan, considers the MP's statement about closing the courts as an interference with the administration of justice.

'The same Hayk Alumyan harshly criticized the previous authorities, so much that I haven't even criticized them like that. Why are you talking about Alumyan? I have no comment on Alumyan at all. Hayk Alumyan is defending the interests of a person who attacked me with a firearm (referring to Arthur Ayvazyan, known by the nickname Manakh). How is it possible for one lawyer to defend people who give testimony against each other? Don't you see a conflict of interest? He could do one right thing—go change his name,' he said, recalling that Alumyan recently represented the defense of former Deputy Minister of Defense Vahan Shirkhanyan.

To the question of why he should change his name, Sargsyan replied: 'Because carrying such a name does not bring honor to other citizens named Hayk.'