Prosperous Armenia member appeals to Iran over citizens' role in Tsarukyan case

A senior member of Armenia's opposition Prosperous Armenia Party (BHK) on Monday called on Iranian authorities to ensure their citizens are not drawn into politically motivated proceedings against detained businessman and party leader Gagik Tsarukyan.

Speaking outside the Iranian Embassy in Yerevan, Prosperous Armenia spokesperson Arman Abovyan said Tsarukyan and his party had consistently worked to deepen ties between Armenia and Iran.

"Both personally and through his political team, Gagik Tsarukyan has always been committed to strengthening Armenian-Iranian relations," Abovyan said. "Whenever issues concerning Iran arose, we consistently expressed our support and engagement."

Abovyan said the two countries share centuries of close ties and expressed regret that Iranian nationals had become involved in the criminal case against Tsarukyan.

"We hope the relevant authorities in the Islamic Republic of Iran will take all necessary steps to ensure that Iranian citizens are not involved in unlawful political processes unfolding in Armenia," he noted.

Abovyan also said judicial proceedings in Iran had resulted in rulings that rejected the allegations against Tsarukyan.

He said the Prosperous Armenia Party would continue working to safeguard the relationship between Armenia and Iran.

"We have always worked—and will continue to work—to ensure that Armenian-Iranian relations remain strong. Under no circumstances should those ties be allowed to deteriorate," Abovyan said.

Tsarukyan has been detained on charges of large-scale money laundering and fraud. He denies the allegations as politically motivated.