PRESSURE ON ARMENIAN OPPOSITION LEADER MOUNTS
Big News Network.com
Feb 16 2015
RFE Monday 16th February, 2015
Scores of police officers hired to provide security for an embattled
opposition leader and his property have been dismissed from work in
recent days.
The press service of Armenia’s National Police on February 16 confirmed
200 such dismissals since last week.
Supporters of Gagik Tsarukian and his Prosperous Armenia Party say
the authorities have launched a campaign to sideline him from politics
that has gathered speed since President Serzh Sarkisian told leaders
of the ruling Republican Party on February 12 that Tsarukian is “evil”
and should not be allowed to participate in politics.
Shortly after Sarkisian’s statement, Prime Minister Hovik Abrahamian
ordered officials to probe allegations that Tsarukian owes large sums
in back taxes.
Police told RFE/RL that the firings were not politically motivated
and were part of “ongoing reforms in the police.”
The Prosperous Armenia Party is the second-largest party in Armenia’s
parliament.
On February 20, the party and its key allies, the Armenian National
Congress and Heritage, plan to hold a joint rally in Yerevan to
protest the pressure on Tsarukian.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress
Disclaimer: This article was contributed and translated into English by Emil Lazarian. While we strive for quality, the views and accuracy of the content remain the responsibility of the contributor. Please verify all facts independently before reposting or citing.
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