Prosperous Armenia Party slams 'fabricated' charges against Tsarukyan

The Prosperous Armenia Party on Tuesday condemned a politically motivated campaign against its leader, Gagik Tsarukyan, after investigators carried out a 13-hour search of his home and moved to seek his detention.

Prosperous Armenia spokesperson Iveta Tonoyan told reporters outside the courthouse that the criminal case was “baseless, fabricated, and inflated,” criticizing authorities for a chaotic and punitive process. She said Tsarukyan was questioned at the Investigative Committee following the search, and that his detention hearing was abruptly delayed until the next morning.

Tonoyan revealed that dozens of facilities under Tsarukyan’s Multi Group Concern had been sealed, forcing more than 10,000 employees into compulsory furlough. “This is nothing short of breaking the backbone of the economy,” she said, warning of “serious consequences” for thousands of workers now left without jobs.

She added that the former Paravon Restaurant had also been shuttered and accused government officials of celebrating the crackdown. “Remember, the law of the boomerang spares no one,” Tonoyan cautioned.

Tsarukyan, a wealthy businessman and influential opposition figure, was arrested on Monday. The court is currently hearing prosecutors' motion to remand him in custody.