Opposition MP: Vahagn Chakhalyan targeted for defiance of authorities

Armenian opposition MP Tigran Abrahamyan has criticized the continued detention of activist Vahagn Chakhalyan, saying there is no evidence to justify the case against him.

His comments came after Chakhalyan was placed in solitary confinement nearly six months after his arrest.

In a Facebook post on Saturday, Abrahamyan, secretary of the Pativ Unem parliamentary faction, claimed that, as with other cases involving the Holy Struggle movement supporters, no factual basis has been presented by the authorities for his prosecution.

"Vahagn Chakhalyan's 'guilt' lies in his outspoken and defiant stance and his refusal to tolerate the brazen conduct of the authorities," the MP wrote.

He accused the Armenian leadership of encouraging conformity and public indifference, while targeting those who openly oppose the regime’s unlawful practices.

“Freedom to all political prisoners!” the MP added.