Armenia detains seven Dashnaktsutyun party members over alleged terror plot PHOTO

Armenia’s Investigative Committee has announced the detention of seven individuals affiliated with the Armenian Revolutionary Federation (ARF), commonly known as Dashnaktsutyun, as part of a criminal investigation into alleged preparations for terrorist acts.

The arrests follow a series of large-scale searches carried out at multiple locations in Yerevan as part of a criminal investigation launched under Articles 43-308 and 335 of the Armenian Criminal Code, which relate to the preparation of terrorism and the illegal trafficking of firearms and explosives, Caliber.Az reports, citing Armenian media.

During the searches, authorities reportedly discovered a remote-controlled electric detonator and its components, a live hand grenade, a grenade fuse, gunpowder, radio communication equipment, and other materials deemed significant to the ongoing investigation.

“Urgent investigative and procedural actions are underway,” the Investigative Committee stated, adding that criminal proceedings have been officially initiated against one of the detainees for preparing acts of terrorism.

On July 10 morning, Armenia’s Investigative Committee and National Security Service (NSS) conducted large-scale searches at the residences of several members of the Armenian Revolutionary Federation (ARF Dashnaktsutyun), a prominent opposition party, resulting in the detention of seven individuals, including Taron Manukyan, son of ARF MP Gegham Manukyan.  

The searches are the latest escalation in a deepening rift between Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan’s Civil Contract government and opposition groups, particularly the ARF Dashnaktsutyun, which has criticised Pashinyan’s leadership, particularly his foreign policy.

By Khagan Isayev