Armenia political tensions rise over legal actions against opposition figures

Political tensions are rising in Armenia as legal proceedings approach for Andranik Tevanian, president of the Mother Armenia party, and party board member Aregnaz Manukyan. The Mother Armenia party has characterized the upcoming trial as a “hybrid” political maneuver ordered by Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan to target opposition figures. The party claims the charges, which include opposition activities and opposing government policies regarding relations with Russia and border delimitations, are politically motivated.

In the National Assembly, MP Ishkhan Saghatelyan has linked recent law enforcement actions against the family of former President Robert Kocharyan to a broader government strategy to isolate opposition forces. Saghatelyan argued that the Prime Minister is attempting to neutralize any political entities that might obstruct his agenda through arrests and property seizures. This follows a heated debate in parliament between Prime Minister Pashinyan and Robert Kocharyan regarding government programs and national security.