Armenian speaker warns of up to eight years in prison for vote-buying

Armenian National Assembly Speaker Alen Simonyan has warned citizens of strict law enforcement measures for any attempts to interfere in the electoral process, including offering or accepting bribes.

In a video address, he stated that accepting a bribe carries a penalty of up to seven years in prison, while offering a bribe is punishable by up to eight years, Caliber.Az reports per Armenian media.

Simonyan also addressed citizens living abroad: “When you arrive in Armenia, whether by land or air, you will likely be asked to undergo questioning at the border checkpoint.”

Earlier in the day, Deputy Speaker Ruben Rubinyan issued a similar warning. He cautioned Armenians residing abroad that if they accept bribes during the pre-election campaign, they could be arrested immediately upon arrival at Yerevan airport.

By Jeyhun Aghazada