Armenian lawyers say denied access during searches of podcasters' homes

Lawyers for Imnemnimi podcast co-hosts Vazgen Saghatelyan and Narek Samsonyan said on Thursday they were blocked “in very brutal ways” from entering their homes during early-morning searches conducted by NSS officers.

Babayan told reporters that defense teams were kept outside while investigators searched the homes of the podcast hosts critical of the Armenian government. Both men were arrested following a complaint filed by National Assembly Speaker Alen Simonyan alleging hooliganism committed through means of communication.

Asked whether the team would appeal to the Human Rights Defender’s Office, Babayan voiced frustration, saying he had done so “seven to ten times” in past cases without meaningful results.

“I may have been allowed to see my client 20 minutes after applying to the ombudsperson, but nothing systemic changes,” he said.