Armenian police detain seven opposition figures on suspicion of terrorism

 

Armenia's government has detained seven individuals linked to the Armenian Revolutionary Federation (ARF), also known as Dashnaktsutyun, on suspicion of terrorism. The arrests were made following a series of police raids on Thursday, targeting figures affiliated with this pro-Russian opposition party. The ARF is part of the Armenia Alliance, a broader opposition coalition led by former president Robert Kocharyan. Armenia's Investigative Committee confirmed the arrests and stated that at least one of the suspects was charged with preparing a terrorist act, though the identities of all detainees have not been publicly confirmed.

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The ARF said that homes of several members of parliament were searched and confirmed the arrest of at least one sitting lawmaker and the son of another. These events add to a growing list of legal actions against opposition politicians, including three from the Armenia Alliance earlier this week. The opposition has strongly criticized these arrests, labeling them as part of a politically driven campaign to silence dissent.

This crackdown comes at a time of political sensitivity, as the country approaches parliamentary elections and engages in major diplomatic efforts. On the same day the arrests took place, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan met with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev in Abu Dhabi. Their talks aim to finalize a peace deal after nearly 40 years of conflict over the Nagorno-Karabakh region, a long-disputed territory between the two nations.

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The recent arrests in Armenia reflect a deepening internal political struggle. Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, who rose to power in 2018 after popular protests, has sought to realign Armenia away from Russian influence and toward the West. This shift has placed him at odds with pro-Russian opposition groups, including the Armenian Revolutionary Federation (ARF). Tensions have escalated as Pashinyan’s government intensifies its legal and political crackdown on opposition figures, religious leaders, and former officials.

Among those targeted is Archbishop Bagrat Galstanyan, a key cleric accused of involvement in an alleged coup plot. Several critics, including Galstanyan and former President Kocharyan’s allies, claim these actions are fabricated and aimed at suppressing dissent ahead of upcoming elections. The government insists the arrests are based on credible threats and legal grounds.

Thursday's events may also impact Armenia's fragile regional standing. As peace negotiations with Azerbaijan gain momentum, Pashinyan seeks to present a unified and stable front. The Abu Dhabi meeting with President Ilham Aliyev is a continuation of efforts to resolve the decades-old Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, which flared up in renewed violence in 2020 and again in 2023.

However, critics warn that the crackdown could backfire. By targeting key figures within the opposition and the church, Pashinyan risks alienating segments of the population and weakening democratic institutions. These developments raise concerns among international observers about political freedoms, the rule of law, and Armenia’s trajectory amid geopolitical tensions.

As Armenia balances between peace talks abroad and political unrest at home, the outcome of both processes may significantly shape the country’s future path  either toward reconciliation or further polarization.

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