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Political analyst Andranik Tevanyan, who heads the Political Economy Research Institute, considers famous doctor Armen Charchyan, the director of the Izmirlian Medical Center, the first “political prisoner” in Armenia in the post-election period.

Charchyan, a member of the opposition Armenia bloc, was arrested on June 23 after being charged with electoral offence. He was taken to hospital shortly after a first instance court in Yerevan issued the arrest ruling.

Speaking to reporters outside the Court of Appeals which was hearing the defense appeal against Charchyan’s arrest on Friday, Andranik Tevanyan indicated the authorities are “cracking down on those who help other people, such as doctors.” He also pointed to media reports alleging famous surgeon Artavazd Sahakyan has been forced to resign.

“So, it turns out that there is a future in Armenia, but without doctors,” he said.

Separately, the political analyst stated the June 20 snap elections have been rigged.

“The authorities, that were reelected, are not legitimate, since the elections have been rigged,” he said, adding the Constitutional Court is yet to rule on the matter.

Tevanyan stressed the need for political changes in Armenia, adding otherwise the problems facing the country will further deepen.