Armenian opposition MP says authorities criminalizing dissent, calls for Tsarukyan's release

Armenian opposition lawmaker Garnik Danielyan on Friday accused the government of using the justice system to silence political opponents, saying authorities had created a climate of fear in which dissent was increasingly met with criminal prosecution.

Speaking to reporters, Danielyan, a member of the opposition Hayastan alliance, said individuals with opposition views were facing mounting pressure and alleged that politically sensitive legal cases were being directed by the country's leadership rather than handled independently by law enforcement agencies.

"The authorities have created an atmosphere of total fear. In Armenia, being an oppositionist has effectively become grounds for criminal prosecution," he said.

Commenting on the detention of businessman and opposition leader Gagik Tsarukyan, Danielyan said Tsarukyan had invested heavily in Armenia's economy over the years, creating jobs and supporting charitable initiatives. He argued that the case would undermine investor confidence and discourage future investment.

"If investors believe their property is no longer secure in Armenia, why would they invest? This is detrimental to the economy, agriculture and the livelihoods of thousands of people," he said.

Tsarukyan, the leader of the Prosperous Armenia Party, is being held on money laundering and fraud charges, which is denies as politically motivated.

Danielyan also denounced the government’s campaign against the Armenian Apostolic Church, describing it as an attack on Armenia's national identity.

He called for the release of all political prisoners, including Tsarukyan, insisting on a change of power in the country.