Arrest of Gagik Tsarukyan is political reprisal: Artsakh State Minister

Nzhdeh Iskandaryan, Artsakh’s State Minister, issued a statement regarding the arrest of Gagik Tsarukyan, leader of the Prosperous Armenia Party and philanthropist.

He stressed that Tsarukyan had always stood by the Armenian people, particularly the residents of Artsakh, providing assistance during the most difficult periods. According to Iskandaryan, many families in Artsakh received support from Tsarukyan, and people remain grateful to those who stood by them in hard times.

The minister condemned the actions taken against Tsarukyan, noting that footage showing law enforcement officers using brute force is unacceptable. He stated that even when a criminal case is being pursued, human dignity must not be violated.

Iskandaryan emphasized that the mission of law enforcement bodies is to uphold the law, not to create the impression of a political or personal reprisal. In his words, any legal matters should be assessed strictly on legal grounds, regardless of the individual’s identity or political status.

“The strength of a state is shown not through a display of force, but through the rule of law, justice, and respect for human dignity,” he noted.