In the run-up to elections, Pashinyan escalates repression

As Armenia prepares for early elections in Gyumri, its second-largest city, on March 30, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan's government has intensified a large-scale campaign of political repression.

During a visit to Gyumri on Sunday, Pashinyan once again disregarded the presumption of innocence, claiming that opposition candidates were running to protect their allegedly “looted” assets. In his speech, he named former Armenian presidents Robert Kocharyan and Serzh Sargsyan, as well as Sargsyan’s son-in-law, former Armenian Ambassador to the Holy See Mikayel Minasyan—figures who have been subjected to political persecution by the current authorities for the past seven years.

That same evening, Armenia’s Public Television aired an eight-minute prime-time report against Mikayel Minasyan, presenting unsubstantiated accusations. Pro-government media have been targeting Minasyan for over a week, particularly as his close associate, producer Ruben Mkhitaryan, is running for mayor of Gyumri. According to polls, Mkhitaryan is expected to secure a significant number of votes in the upcoming election.

Today, March 12, new charges were filed against former President Serzh Sargsyan, despite his prior acquittal. He now faces allegations of illegal land privatization, and a travel ban has been imposed on him. His political ally, Martun Grigoryan, is actively participating in the March 30 elections.

Meanwhile, Armenia’s Prosecutor General has launched criminal proceedings against National Assembly deputy Taron Margaryan, a close ally of Sargsyan. In response, Pashinyan’s administration has authorized the lifting of his parliamentary immunity.

Additionally, fresh charges have been brought against former President Robert Kocharyan, whose political team is also competing in the elections with candidate Karen Simonyan.

Human rights advocates and political analysts overwhelmingly view Pashinyan’s latest crackdown as a deliberate move to suppress opposition forces ahead of the crucial vote.