Jailed Armenian opposition activist says whole country 'has become a prison'

Imprisoned Armenian opposition activist Avetik Chalabyan has accused the Armenian authorities of waging an unprecedented campaign of political repression, claiming that "the whole country has become a prison."

In a statement posted on the Facebook page of the Hayakve movement on Monday, Chalabyan, who is being held at Armavir Penitentiary, highlighted that he has been unlawfully detained for more than a month.

Chalabyan alleged that the authorities have intensified a broader crackdown on political opponents, citing the detention of Gagik Tsarukyan, Aregnaz Manukyan, Archbishop Bagrat Galstanyan and his associates, Andranik Tevanyan, Armen Ashotyan and others. He also referred to criminal proceedings against Strong Armenia party member Narek Karapetyan, claiming those targeted had opposed the government's "pro-Turkish agenda."

Referring to Armenia's June 7 parliamentary elections, Chalabyan claimed the ruling Civil Contract party had lost the vote but remained in power by relying on extensive administrative resources, foreign support, electoral fraud and an artificially high electoral threshold. He asserted that around 750,000 voters cast ballots against the ruling regime, demonstrating that a majority of politically active citizens no longer support it.

Chalabyan accused the government of responding with sweeping reprisals against its political rivals, describing the campaign as unprecedented in Armenia's modern history and incompatible with democratic governance.

"Today we have been deprived of our freedom, but, in fact, the entire country has become a prison," Chalabyan said. "They are trying to deprive the whole country of its leaders, its future and the freedom to choose that future."

He also drew a parallel between those imprisoned in Armenia and Armenians held in Azerbaijan, arguing that "the entire nation—its past, present and future—is being imprisoned."

Invoking Ernest Hemingway's famous remarks, "Never send to know for whom the bell tolls; it tolls for thee," Chalabyan urged Armenians not to accept official accounts issued by investigative authorities. He argued that those facing prosecution were being punished not for criminal acts but for challenging the government and offering voters an alternative political choice.

Calling on citizens to "stand up and fight" for their freedom and that of future generations, Chalabyan invoked the 1918 Battle of Sardarapat, saying Armenia once again faced an existential struggle. He claimed that forces defeated on the battlefield a century ago were now attempting to achieve their aims from within through those serving foreign interests.

Chalabyan concluded by expressing confidence that if hundreds and thousands of Armenians mobilise in support of those who have been imprisoned, the country's adversaries will ultimately be forced to retreat.