Norayr Hakobyan elected Masis mayor 

ArmInfo.  Norayr Hakobyan, former deputy head of the city administration to David Hambardzumyan, who was sentenced to six years and three months in prison, has been elected mayor of Masis, Ararat Province, Armenia.

The country's ruling Civil Contract party did not field a  representative in the Masis mayoral election. It should be noted that  Norayr Hakobyan is an associate of David Hambardzumyan, who was  accused of using weapons against participants in the 2018 Velvet  Revolution. The opposition considers the court verdict against  Hambardzumyan to be political persecution.

After his election, Norayr Hakobyan noted that he is not afraid of  possible pressure from the authorities.  The mayor emphasized that  David Hambardzumyan is his friend, and it is no coincidence that he  was number two on the electoral list. "We will continue to move  forward in accordance with our principles and ideas. My opposition  views should not hinder the development of the enlarged Masis  community, as has been the case since 2018. Since then, the community  has endured numerous trials, which have been overcome with honor, as  evidenced by the trust of our voters," said the newly elected  community leader.

Regarding the convicted David Hambardzumyan, Norayr Hakobyan noted  that he is clearly a political prisoner and intends to do everything  possible to secure his speedy release.