Prosperous Armenia member calls Tsarukyan case 'classic political persecution'

Arman Abovyan, a member of the opposition Prosperous Armenia Party (BHK) and a former lawmaker, on Friday denounced the criminal case against party leader Gagik Tsarukyan as politically motivated, saying Armenia is witnessing a "classic case of political persecution."

Speaking outside the Investigative Department of the State Revenue Committee (SRC), Abovyan argued that the prosecution's case was steadily unraveling and accused the authorities of no longer concealing its political nature.

"With each passing day, it becomes increasingly clear that this case is fabricated and driven entirely by political motives. Even the authorities are no longer trying to hide it," he said.

Abovyan also claimed that pressure was being exerted on individuals and organizations associated with Tsarukyan as part of a broader campaign against the opposition.

"We are living through a period of classic political persecution targeting those who, in one way or another, disagree with the authorities," he said.

Recalling Tsarukyan's repeated calls for national unity and solidarity while campaigning for the June 7 parliamentary elections, Abovyan questioned the justification for the charges against the opposition leader.

"What did Gagik Tsarukyan do to deserve this? What is being done to him cannot be described as anything other than political persecution," he said.

Abovyan further alleged that Armenia's Constitution and the rule of law were no longer being upheld, warning that if the current situation continues, any citizen could face similar treatment if they fall out of favor with the authorities.

"The issue today is not only Gagik Tsarukyan," he said. "It concerns all of us, and Armenia must be brought out of this situation as soon as possible."

Tsarukyan has been detained on charges of large-scale money laundering and fraud.