Authorities detain two members of opposition party in Armenia

Authorities in Armenia detained two members of the opposition party “Homeland” overnight. 

Khachik Galstyan, the party’s secretary general, was reportedly taken into custody by the Anti-Corruption Committee. His lawyer, Arsen Babayan, wrote on social media that the detention was based on what he described as “trumped-up charges” intended to pave the way for further arrest and that political persecution against the party was continuing, Caliber.Az reports via Armenian media. 

Later, another party member, Aram Kocharyan, was reportedly detained in Vagharshapat. The party’s press secretary, Ripsime Arakelyan, confirmed the arrest on social media.

By Sabina Mammadli