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The opposition Prosperous Armenia Party (PAP) leader, lawmaker Gagik Tsarukyan claims the accusations against him came after his harsh criticism of the Armenian government at the June 5 meeting of the PAP Governing Board.

Speaking at the National Assembly which is debating stripping him of his immunity from prosecution on Tuesday, Tsarukyan again voiced concerns over the persisting problems in agriculture, industry, economy, social, healthcare and all other sectors, stating the situation has not changed since the 2018 revolution.

He called for making real-life reforms, instead of creating “fake Facebook accounts which spread offensive remarks.”

He recalled his promise to stand by the new authorities two years ago. “Yes, I have signed a memorandum with [Prime Minister] Pashinyan. I have done everything possible to help make people’s expectations come true. But they were all empty and made-up promises,” he said, stressing a country cannot be ruled by “Facebook and fakes”.

“The situation in all sectors is extremely grave. You have failed the fight against the pandemic,” the opposition MP stated.

He again dismissed the allegations of vote buying by his party during the 2017 parliamentary elections.

“I have told you, I won’t step back from my principles. Are you afraid now when you have opened a case against Tsarukyan? You have shut down the highways in the regions to prevent people from coming here,” he said.