Armenian opposition party claims more government pressure
| Publisher | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |
| Publication Date | 17 February 2015 |
| Cite as | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Armenian opposition party claims more government pressure, 17 February 2015, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/550940bc15.html [accessed 27 May 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
February 17, 2015
By RFE/RL's Armenian Service
YEREVAN – An embattled Armenian opposition party says several of its members have been detained.
Prosperous Armenia Party (BHK) lawmaker Elinar Vartanian said late on February 16 that Artur Mamoian, the leader of the party's branch in Yerevan's Nor-Nork district, had been detained along with several other BHK members.
Yerevan police said Mamoian was detained on suspicion of illegally possessing weapons.
The detentions came amid reports of pressure imposed on the BHK leader, Gagik Tsarukian.
Police said on February 16 that 200 officers hired to provide security for Tsarukian and his property had been dismissed from work in recent days.
Armenian President Serzh Sarkisian told leaders of the ruling Republican Party on February 12 that Tsarukian was "evil" and should not be allowed to participate in politics.
Meanwhile, a police spokesman, Ashot Aharonian, said on February 17 that the BHK members' detentions were not politically motivated and were part of the routine work by police.
Link to original story on RFE/RL website
