Opposition member Artur Avanesyan remanded in custody

An Armenian court has ordered two-month pre-trial detention for Artur Avanesyan, a security team leader affiliated with the Strong Armenia party.

Avanesyan, an Artsakh war veteran and a former reconnaissance operative, was detained by the country’s Anti-Corruption Court on Monday.

Authorities say the case relates to alleged attempts to influence voters ahead of the parliamentary elections scheduled for 7 June. In a statement, the Anti-Corruption Committee said it had gathered evidence, in cooperation with the National Security Service, suggesting that a supporter of the party promised jobs and other incentives to voters in exchange for their support.

The committee added that the alleged offers were accepted by several individuals. Criminal proceedings have been initiated under relevant articles of Armenia’s Criminal Code.

Four people, including Avanesyan, have been detained as part of the investigation.