Armenian activist Avetik Chalabyan faces charges over alleged electoral interference

Armenian civic activist and HayaKve initiative coordinator Avetik Chalabyan has been charged with allegedly preparing to obstruct voters’ rights during the June 7 parliamentary elections, his attorney Varazdat Harutyunyan said on Wednesday.

Prosecutors contend Chalabyan acted “in concert with a group of individuals” and exploited official powers in connection with the alleged scheme. Harutyunyan rejected the accusations as "totally fabricated”, insisting his client refuses to acknowledge the charges.

“Due to the confidentiality of the preliminary investigation, we cannot disclose the purported factual circumstances,” Harutyunyan noted, adding that the defense intends to demonstrate the “absurd and contrived nature” of the case once proceedings allow.

Chalabyan was detained early in the morning and brought before Yerevan’s Kentron District Court, where prosecutors are seeking his pretrial detention. Armenia’s Investigative Committee confirmed his arrest as part of an ongoing criminal inquiry.