Embattled Armenian opposition party quits parliament session
| Publisher | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |
| Publication Date | 23 February 2015 |
| Cite as | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Embattled Armenian opposition party quits parliament session, 23 February 2015, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5509410424.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 23, 2015
By RFE/RL's Armenian Service
YEREVAN – The opposition Prosperous Armenia Party (BHK) have walked out of parliament to protest what members called a government crackdown on their leader, embattled tycoon Gagik Tsarukian.
BHK lawmakers left the parliament chamber after the secretary of the party's faction, Naira Zohrabian, announced a decision to boycott a four-day parliament session that began on February 23.
On February 12, President Serzh Sarkisian told leaders of the ruling Republican Party that Tsarukian was "evil" and should not be allowed in politics.
Since then, several BHK members have been detained on what the authorities say is suspicion of illegal weapons possession.
The BHK said the detentions were an attempt to impose political pressure on announced plans for a protest on February 20 to demand Sarkisian's resignation.
But the party called off the rally after Tsarukian issued a statement saying he is ready to settle all disputes through "peaceful, lawful, and political means."
Link to original story on RFE/RL website
