Artur Vanetsyan slams extension of Armenian opposition podcasters' detention

Homeland Party leader Artur Vanetsyan has condemned a court decision to extend the detention of two opposition podcasters, warning that Armenia’s democratic and legal foundations are steadily being undermined.

Vanetsyan, a former head of the National Security Service, said the decision to prolong the detention of Vazgen Saghatelyan and Narek Samsonyan for three more months was unsurprising.

Saghatelyan and Samsonyan, co-hosts of the Imnemnimi podcast, have been detained on hooliganism charges since mid-November. A court on Friday ruled to extend their detention until the spring.

In a statement, Vanetsyan described the ruling as yet another manifestation of “legal arbitrariness”, accusing the authorities of using criminal prosecutions to silence critics and restrict freedom of expression.

“The practice of detaining people on fabricated charges and suppressing their right to free speech is gaining momentum,” he wrote. “Vazgen, Narek, and all other political prisoners have become its victims.”

Following the court decision, Narek Samsonyan announced the launch of an indefinite hunger strike. Vanetsyan said the move was “deeply concerning”, but described it as a conscious act, wishing both men tenacity and good health.

Vanetsyan also urged opposition parties, political actors and all those concerned about Armenia’s future to remain vigilant and united in resisting abuses of power.