Opposition MP slams persecution of Armenian government critics

Opposition lawmaker Tigran Abrahamyan has accused the Armenian authorities of using the courts to carry out political persecution against their critics, calling the practice a hallmark of authoritarianism.

In a social media post on Thursday, Abrahamyan, secretary of the Pativ Unem faction, said judicial proceedings against opposition figures have become “an integral part of Armenia’s political agenda”.

He pointed to several ongoing cases, including a trial involving 18 members and supporters of the Holy Struggle movement, which he described as unlawful. Court hearings are also scheduled for detained opposition podcasters Narek Samsonyan and Vazgen Saghatelyan, as well as an appeal involving former Masis Mayor and RPA member Davit Hambardzumyan.

The lawmaker added that a long‑delayed appellate hearing in the case of Archbiashop Mikayel Ajapahyan is expected soon, after being postponed in December.

“These are the practices imposed by the bastion of authoritarianism and the values promoted by Western centers,” Abrahamyan said.