Armenian opposition MP says government escalating crackdown on opponents

Armenian opposition lawmaker Tigran Abrahamyan on Tuesday accused the government of intensifying its campaign against political opponents, claiming authorities have shifted their focus from delivering on campaign promises to suppressing dissent.

Abrahamyan, a member of the Pativ Unem faction, made the remarks after the arrest of opposition leader Gagik Tsarukyan.

"The government has begun fulfilling its campaign promises, but not those aimed at improving the country's prosperity or security," Abrahamyan said. "Instead, it is working to isolate those who do not share its views."

He said the ruling regime's actions could eventually extend to banning political parties and other political organizations.

"The authorities have received a signal from their foreign backers to take aggressive political measures, which are already taking shape," Abrahamyan said.