National Security Service does not explain reason for banning Karakavorian from entering Armenia, citing state secrecy – Ruben Melikyan

About two years ago, an unprecedented practice of banning the entry of representatives of the Armenian Diaspora to Armenia emerged, Ruben Melikyan, a representative of ARF member Njteh Karakavorian, told Alpha News.

“The ban affected not only individuals without Armenian citizenship, but sometimes even citizens of the republic, who waited a long time at the airport for permission to enter. The latest case was that of Ara Abrahamyan, who is an Armenian citizen. If a person does not have Armenian citizenship and is critical of the current government, entering the country is practically impossible,” Melikyan said, noting that no previous government had allowed itself anything like this.

According to him, the ban on Karakavorian’s entry into Armenia has been in effect for approximately two years. Official bodies justify this restriction by citing his alleged connection to terrorism but refuse to provide evidence, citing state secrecy.

“The courts in previous cases have ruled that arguments must be presented; otherwise, the claim will be considered justified. Let’s see whether the National Security Service (NSS) will provide similar arguments in Karakavorian’s case or change its approach,” Melikyan added.