Change is near despite Pashinyan’s actions: Strong Armenia statement on detentions in Stepanavan

The Strong Armenia party has issued a statement regarding today’s detentions of its members and supporters.

“Today we are witnessing yet another violation of electoral legislation by the Pashinyan government. Just days before the local government elections in Stepanavan, Arsen Gevorgyan, Strong Armenia party candidate for head of the Stepanavan community, and 14 of our supporters have been detained.

For political reasons and for the sake of convenience, footage from hidden cameras was used, and edited videos were then circulated.

This is not democracy. This is a dangerous practice of abusing the law and state institutions in order to hold on to power at any cost, where accusations are made before the facts are established and political retribution is presented as justice.

We are witnessing the same undemocratic conduct for which European bodies criticized the Pashinyan government after the June national elections. According to the latest PACE report, violations were recorded at nearly half of polling stations.

Pashinyan speaks of democratic elections, but his actions are typical of a dictator. These detentions are not only undemocratic but also contrary to the interests of Stepanavan residents who want change. Pashinyan wants to keep Armenia under total control in order to fulfill all of Aliyev’s demands and make new concessions. One such concession is the TRIPP option, which is unfavorable for Armenia and serves the interests of Azerbaijan, not Armenia. Such concessions will not bring peace, but will only lead to new aggression from Azerbaijan.

Change will certainly come, it is near, despite Pashinyan’s actions.

We call on voters in Stepanavan not to be afraid and to take part in the vote. Your vote is secret, and thanks to your participation, change can begin in Stepanavan,” the party’s statement said.