ARF accuses authorities of political persecution

PanARMENIAN.Net - The Armenian Revolutionary Federation (ARF) Supreme Body in Armenia has responded to early morning searches and arrests targeting party members on July 10, declaring that the “regime is carrying out political persecution against the party.”

“Lawyers involved in the cases have reported that no illegal items were found or confiscated from any detainee’s home. Despite this, the Investigative Committee has presented confiscated items, including airsoft gear and a T-shirt with the ARF emblem, as material evidence of preparation for terrorism.

Later, it was revealed that a grenade was found in the home of a veteran of the 2016 and 2020 wars and the 2022 Jermuk clashes. No lawyer was assigned to this individual, and the legality of the investigative procedures could not be ensured. It is evident that such an item could not realistically be used to carry out the alleged terrorist acts.

We reaffirm that the regime is conducting a political campaign against the ARF, evidenced not only by these recent actions but also by the prior smear campaigns and today’s politically charged statements by government officials, including calls to suspend ARF operations in Armenia,” the statement reads.

On July 10, law enforcement authorities conducted morning searches at the homes of several ARF members, including that of Hayastan faction MP Gegham Manukyan. His mobile phone was confiscated, and his son, Taron Manukyan, was arrested. Later, it was confirmed that seven individuals were detained and taken to the Investigative Committee of Armenia.