Attack Linked to Arman Sahakyan by My Step Faction Members: Hraparak

During the night, masked individuals invaded the home of Yerevan City Council member Arman Antonian, a member of the My Step faction, and stabbed him. The secretary of the My Step faction in the Yerevan City Council, Armen Galjyan, reported that the incident might be related to Antonian's activities within the council.

According to Hraparak.am, the My Step members suggest that the stabbing incident is connected to a recent project proposed by Antonian. Just days ago, the City Council approved Antonian's project to rename the "Yerevan Arabkir Combat Sports Youth School" to "Yerevan Cycling Sports Youth School" and to adopt a new charter for the organization. This means that the council established a cycling sports school in Yerevan.

Rumors circulating in the city hall suggest that Antonian developed this project with plans to subsequently secure a position in the renamed organization, despite his denial of such intentions during the council meeting.

The youth school is also associated with Arman Sahakyan, the former head of the State Property Management Department under the government and the son of former National Assembly chairman Galust Sahakyan. Arman Sahakyan serves as the president of the Armenian Cycling Federation, and there appears to be a conflict of interest between Antonian and Sahakyan. According to the My Step faction's theory, the incident involving their colleague is the handiwork of Arman Sahakyan.

Another source in the city hall's press office confirmed that this theory is circulating, but its credibility remains uncertain: "Yes, there are talks about a connection with Arman Sahakyan, but that is the theory of My Step. However, why would he take such a step? As for the extent of his involvement, I cannot say, but Antonian has been very interested in that organization lately; I have heard that he has been quite involved with it."

Antonain's health condition is extremely critical; his colleagues report that he is in an artificial coma, and there are fears that if he is taken out of the coma, the consequences could be severe. He was stabbed in front of his parents, and his 87-year-old father, Azat Antonian, was also attacked and has been hospitalized.

Arman Sahakyan's lawyer, Emin Khachatryan, stated in a conversation with us that while Arman Sahakyan is indeed the president of the Armenian Cycling Federation, this is the first he has heard of any connection to the stabbing of a council member. "I am surprised by what imagination or reasoning is at play... if something is renamed 'cycling sports youth school,' it is not a bad thing but a good thing. Mr. Sahakyan is not connected to the incident. It is absurd to reach such conclusions; at least they should find some connection to say these individuals met once, say, in '66!"