8 opposition forces in a joint statement condemn the repressions carried out in Armenia.

“The opposition forces of the Republic of Armenia strongly condemn the repression carried out by today’s authorities against the leader of the “Prosperous Armenia” party Gagik Tsarukyan, as well as the searches carried out in the enterprises belonging to him.

The undersigned opposition forces express their support to Gagik Tsarukyan and reaffirm that pressure on any person for political views, opposition activity or political position is unacceptable in a legal and democratic state. It is a challenge to the whole society.

We also express our solidarity with all political prisoners and those citizens who are subjected to persecution or pressure for political reasons, and we reaffirm our determination to jointly protect their rights, democratic values ​​and the constitutional order of the Republic of Armenia.

We consider what is happening as another proof that the period of mass political persecution established in Armenia during the rule of Nikol Pashinyan is steadily progressing towards dictatorship. The number of political prisoners, as well as those persecuted for political reasons, is increasing day by day.

The prosecutions unleashed by the authorities have nothing to do with the administration of justice and the fight against crime.

It is obvious that these persecutions are caused solely by the political activity of Gagik Tsarukyan. Nikol Pashinyan does not even hide his motives. He gave the order to start the persecutions during one of the pre-election public gatherings, threatening to deprive the head of the party that submitted an application to participate in the election campaign.

It is obvious that these actions are aimed at consistently neutralizing and de facto decapitating the opposition, suppressing any manifestation of public dissent and creating an atmosphere of fear at the threshold of important political processes, including issues related to Armenia’s national and state interests.

Such a way of working gives a heavy blow not only to the country’s political system, but also to the economy. Violation of property rights, suppression of the economic activities of large entrepreneurs, and the use of law enforcement as a tool of political struggle will inevitably lead to an increase in unemployment, further deterioration of the investment climate, and deepening of economic instability.

We are convinced that in the current situation, the consolidation of all oppositional and public forces, as well as the entire society, is needed more than ever. Only with joint efforts will it be possible to protect the statehood of the Republic of Armenia, the constitutional order, democratic principles and citizens’ rights.

We call on Armenia’s international partners, international organizations and structures dealing with the protection of human rights and democratic institutions to immediately give a principled assessment of the events taking place and publicly express their position regarding the violation of democratic norms, human rights and politically motivated persecution of political opponents of the government.

Armenia does not need political repressions, but the rule of law, independent justice, political pluralism and national unity.

We declare that this unprecedented repressive campaign carried out by the authorities cannot break or stop the struggle of the opposition and Armenian society for the preservation of justice, freedom, democracy and statehood. The opposition forces will continue to protect the rights of citizens, the constitutional order of the Republic of Armenia, national interests and the future of Armenian statehood exclusively by legal and political means.

Armenian Revolutionary Federation

“Hayakve” National Civil Union

“Armenian National Congress” party

Republican Party of Armenia

“Prosperous Armenia” party

“Democratic Alternative” party

“Mother Armenia” party

Democratic Party of Armenia

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