The Hayastan alliance has condemned the detention of Gagik Tsarukyan, describing it as part of what it called an openly political campaign.

In a statement, the alliance also condemned actions carried out at businesses belonging to members of Tsarukyan's family and outlined its assessment of the current political situation.

"We state the following:

The current ruling administration's practice of turning law enforcement agencies into a political tool and suppressing its opponents falls outside any legal rationale and reflects the fears of those in power.

Violations of property rights and economic pressure constitute a direct blow to the country's investment climate and economic security.

It is evident that, through such actions, the ruling administration is attempting to conceal a crisis of legitimacy and eliminate all potential centers of resistance on the path toward implementing what it describes as anti-state objectives.

We express our support for Gagik Tsarukyan and for all individuals facing politically motivated persecution.

We call on all international actors to pay close attention to the post-election developments in Armenia and urge them to prevent the consolidation of an authoritarian regime in the country through clear and principled assessments," the statement said.

On the morning of July 6, officers of Armenia's National Security Service, State Revenue Committee and Ministry of Internal Affairs Police carried out simultaneous searches at more than 70 locations, including Tsarukyan's residence and companies affiliated with him. Tsarukyan was detained. A hearing on the preventive measure sought against him has begun at the Court of General Jurisdiction of the Avan and Nor Nork administrative districts.