The key facts
- Armenia's Anti-Corruption Committee confirmed searches and detentions in Stepanavan
- A 'Strong Armenia' MP reported 14 detainees and called what is happening 'blatant lawlessness'
- On October 25, local self-government elections will be held in the city
Confirmed Detentions
Searches and detentions took place in the Armenian city of Stepanavan. The information was confirmed by the press secretary of the republic's Anti-Corruption Committee, Marina Ogandzhanyan, in a comment to TASS.
Statement by the Opposition
MP from the opposition 'Strong Armenia' faction Andranik Gevorgyan reported that the homes and offices of the party's supporters in Stepanavan were subjected to 'mass searches', during which 14 people were detained. According to him, the actions were carried out as part of a criminal proceeding conducted by the Anti-Corruption Committee. Gevorgyan called what is happening 'predictable' but 'beyond the bounds of reason', as well as 'blatant lawlessness'.
Election Context
On October 25, elections to local self-government bodies are scheduled in Stepanavan. It is the only community in Armenia where 'Strong Armenia' has nominated its own candidate — Arsen Gevorgyan.
About the Party and Its Leader
The leader of 'Strong Armenia' is billionaire Samvel Karapetyan — founder and head of the Tashir group of companies. About a year ago, Forbes estimated his fortune at $4.5 billion. In the summer, after the parliamentary elections of July 7, the businessman reported mass detentions of his supporters and announced the consolidation of the opposition to counter the ruling 'Civil Contract' party. Earlier, Karapetyan won a lawsuit against the government of Armenia.
