Strong Armenia condemns Gagik Tsarukyan's detention

The Strong Armenia alliance on Monday condemned the detention of opposition politician Gagik Tsarukyan, describing it as part of a broader campaign by Armenia's authorities to suppress political opposition.

Tsarukyan, the leader of the Prosperous Armenia Party, was arrested on Monday after law enforcement officers carried out searches at his residence and the offices of the Multi Group Concern.

In a statement, the alliance said the actions amounted to "another example of the ongoing political persecution" in the country.

"The primary goal of the authorities' continued crackdown is to silence opposition forces," the statement said. It accused the government of using law enforcement agencies as a political tool, arguing that such actions undermine the rule of law while harming Armenia's economy and investment climate.

The alliance also said the government's actions lacked public support and called for political change that would uphold the rule of law, ensure an independent judiciary and improve public welfare.