Corruption charges added to terrorism case against detained Armenian MP

A new criminal case has been launched against detained Member of Parliament Artur Sargsyan, Armenian authorities confirmed, adding allegations of corruption and abuse of office to the ongoing terrorism investigation.

The charges stem from his tenure as head of the Sisian community (historically known as Garakilsa), the Ministry of Internal Affairs said, Caliber.Az reports, citing Armenian media.

According to the ministry, in September 2021, Sargsyan presented a proposal to the Sisian Council of Elders seeking approval to alienate 4.6 hectares of pasture land through a public auction. The land was ultimately sold for 661,000 drams ($1,695)— a sum significantly below its estimated market value of 16 million drams ($41,025). Officials claim the transaction caused substantial financial damage to the state and have transferred the case to Armenia’s Anti-Corruption Committee for further investigation.

These latest allegations compound the gravity of Sargsyan’s legal troubles. He was arrested earlier in July on separate charges of preparing terrorist acts aimed at overthrowing the constitutional order. A court ruled to detain him for two months, citing concerns that he might obstruct the investigation if released. His communications have been severely restricted during this period, limited only to his legal counsel and immediate family members.

The convergence of corruption and terrorism allegations marks a significant escalation in the case against Sargsyan, raising broader concerns about the misuse of public office and national security threats in Armenia’s political landscape.

By Vafa Guliyeva