Strong Armenia member releases pre-recorded message ahead of detention

Alik Aleksanyan, a member of the opposition Strong Armenia party, recorded a video message that he said should be made public in the event of his detention.

The video was released by fellow party member Narek Karapetyan following Aleksanyan's reported arrest.

In the message, Aleksanyan accused the Armenian authorities of targeting political opponents and described the move against him as a reflection of "fear, helplessness and weakness."

"Clinging to baseless allegations, they are trying to detain and imprison people and keep society on edge," Aleksanyan said. "It's not going to work. You should come to terms with it."

Aleksanyan also called for high turnout in the upcoming parliamentary elections.