Civil Contract is deeply frightened – Sevak Khachatryan on repressions in Etchmiadzin

Sevak Khachatryan, head of the Victory faction in the Vagharshapat City Council, held a press conference to address the mass searches and arrests that began this morning in Etchmiadzin. Those detained include candidates and supporters of the bloc.

According to Khachatryan, what is happening amounts to blatant political repression connected to the upcoming parliamentary elections in June. He noted that the number of detainees has already exceeded ten, including individuals who were not even actively engaged in politics.

“This is the fear of the Civil Contract party. They are deeply frightened. Such lawlessness, just months after local government elections, is aimed at creating an atmosphere of fear and silencing those who hold opposition views,” he said.

Regarding the reasons behind the arrests, Khachatryan stated that the authorities are attempting to “fabricate a case,” portraying campaigning and guiding voters as criminal acts.