Armenia’s opposition parties have issued a joint statement strongly condemning what they describe as the political persecution of Prosperous Armenia Party leader Gagik Tsarukyan, as well as the searches carried out at businesses affiliated with him.
The signatories expressed solidarity with Tsarukyan, stating that no individual should face pressure for their political views, opposition activity, or political position in a democratic state. They also voiced support for what they described as all political prisoners and individuals allegedly facing politically motivated prosecution in Armenia, pledging to continue defending their rights, democratic values, and the country’s constitutional order.
The opposition argued that the actions against Tsarukyan are further evidence that Armenia, under Nikol Pashinyan’s government, is moving toward authoritarian rule through what they called a campaign of mass political persecution. They claimed the growing number of political prisoners and politically prosecuted individuals demonstrates an escalating crackdown on dissent.
According to the statement, the criminal proceedings against Tsarukyan bear no relation to genuine justice or the fight against crime and are instead motivated solely by his political activity. The parties pointed to Pashinyan’s pre-election remarks, in which he threatened to strip the leader of a party participating in the elections of his assets, arguing that he had openly signaled the campaign against Tsarukyan in advance.
The opposition further claimed the authorities are attempting to systematically weaken and effectively decapitate the opposition, suppress public dissent, and create a climate of fear ahead of important political developments affecting Armenia’s national interests.
The statement also warned that the government’s actions would have serious economic consequences, arguing that pressure on major businesses, violations of property rights, and the use of law enforcement as a political tool would undermine investor confidence, increase unemployment, and deepen economic instability.
Calling for unity among opposition parties, civil society, and the broader public, the signatories said only a united effort could safeguard Armenia’s statehood, constitutional order, democratic principles, and citizens’ rights.
They also appealed to Armenia’s international partners, international organizations, and institutions defending human rights and democracy to publicly condemn what they described as politically motivated persecution of opposition figures and violations of democratic norms.
The statement concluded by declaring that Armenia needs the rule of law, an independent judiciary, political pluralism, and national unity rather than political repression. It pledged that the opposition would continue defending citizens’ rights, Armenia’s constitutional order, national interests, and statehood through lawful political means.
The statement was signed by the Armenian Revolutionary Federation (ARF), Hayakve National Civic Union, the Armenian National Congress, the Republican Party of Armenia, the Prosperous Armenia Party, the Democratic Alternative Party, the Mother Armenia Party, and the Democratic Party of Armenia.
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