Abovyan says Armenia enters political persecution era

PanARMENIAN.Net - Prosperous Armenia Party member Arman Abovyan, speaking outside the State Revenue Committee’s Investigative Department, described the developments surrounding party leader and businessman Gagik Tsarukyan as political persecution. He said pressure is being exerted alongside political processes on individuals and organizations connected with Tsarukyan in one way or another.

“Every day it becomes clearer that this case is a fabrication driven solely by political motives, something the authorities no longer even conceal. We are living in a classic era of persecution against people who, in one way or another, disagree with the authorities,” Abovyan said, according to Panorama.am .

He noted that throughout the election campaign, Tsarukyan had consistently called for solidarity and unity. According to Abovyan, the Constitution and the law are not functioning at all in the country. He added that Prosperous Armenia’s cause is just and warned that what is happening to Tsarukyan could later happen to any Armenian citizen if the authorities disapprove of something.

Abovyan said the issue is no longer solely about Gagik Tsarukyan but concerns everyone, adding that Armenia must be brought out of the current situation as soon as possible.

Gagik Tsarukyan, leader of the Prosperous Armenia Party, is being questioned by the Investigative Committee for a third consecutive day. Representatives of his political force, supporters and sympathizers have gathered outside the committee building, along with representatives of other opposition groups.

Since early July 6, officers from the National Security Service, State Revenue Committee and Interior Ministry police have conducted simultaneous searches at more than 70 addresses, including Tsarukyan’s residence and companies belonging to him. Tsarukyan was detained. Early on July 7, a court of general jurisdiction for Yerevan’s Avan and Nor Nork administrative districts began considering the measure of restraint against him. By the end of the day, it became known that he had been remanded in custody for two months.