Hayakve seeks Chalabyan's release

PanARMENIAN.Net - The Hayakve initiative says it will use all lawful means to seek the prompt release of its coordinator, Avetik Chalabyan, according to a statement issued by the group.

The statement says that the ranks of the "large Hayakve family" remain united and unwavering.

"Freedom for political prisoner Avetik Chalabyan!" the statement reads.

Hayakve coordinator Avetik Chalabyan has been placed in pretrial detention for two months. The court granted the investigating authority's request to impose detention as a preventive measure.

According to the Investigative Committee, Chalabyan traveled abroad in May 2026, met with officials of another state, and urged them to interfere with the free exercise of Armenian citizens' electoral rights.

Daniel Ioannisyan, head of the Union of Informed Citizens NGO, said that the Independent Observer initiative had filed a report alleging that a group of Russian officials, together with several Armenian citizens, had attempted to seize power in Armenia, after which a criminal case was opened. He added that after an audio recording involving Avetik Chalabyan became public, it was also forwarded to the Prosecutor's Office as additional evidence.

"All those who knowingly participated in Russian interference in Armenia's elections must stand trial," Ioannisyan wrote.