Arsen Torosyan, a member of Armenia’s ruling Civil Contract party, has responded to U.S. Representative Brad Sherman’s statement, in which Sherman expressed concern over the recent arrests of Armenian dissenters, including businessman Samvel Karapetyan and clerics of the Armenian Church.

In his response, Torosyan wrote: “Dear Brad Sherman, as a member of the Armenia-U.S. Parliamentary Friendship Group, I wish to inform you that the clergymen mentioned in your statement were arrested in Armenia for attempting a state coup through planned terrorist attacks and the killing of citizens. As for Samvel Karapetyan, who is also a Russian citizen and magnate, he is accused of attempting to undermine the constitutional order of the Republic of Armenia.

We remain ready to provide you and the U.S. Congressional Armenia Caucus with verified information on developments in our country, as we greatly value our cooperation.”

Torosyan shared his message via Facebook, addressing Sherman’s concerns directly.

According to Armenia’s Investigative Committee, the movement called Sacred Struggle allegedly plotted terrorist actions and an attempt to seize power. However, Torosyan specifically cited attempted killings in his description.

Meanwhile, Armenia’s Human Rights Defender Anahit Manasyan has expressed concern over law enforcement rhetoric that may violate the presumption of innocence.