Armenia: Political funding debates and proposed detention law reforms

Following the parliamentary elections in Armenia, concerns have been raised regarding political groups that secured state funding despite a lack of active political presence. Specifically, Arman Tatoyan’s ‘Wings of Unity’ movement and Gurgen Simonyan’s ‘Armenian Meritocratic’ party crossed the 2 percent threshold required to receive annual direct funding from the state budget. It is estimated that approximately 30 million drams from taxpayers will be allocated to these entities for political and public activities, even though they failed to enter the National Assembly.

Separately, the Ministry of Internal Affairs has introduced a draft law for public discussion regarding the detention and imprisonment of individuals. The proposed changes aim to align detention conditions with international standards and strengthen the rights of detainees. Key provisions include ensuring accessibility for persons with disabilities—such as ramps, adapted bathrooms, and specialized bedding—and protecting the privacy of personal data. The draft also addresses the right to communication, medical confidentiality, and the right of detainees to receive compensation for work, stipulating that labor must not be forced or exploitative.