Masked men raid Armenian opposition MP’s home ahead of elections

Masked men reportedly broke into the home of Armenian opposition lawmaker Martun Grigoryan early on the morning of May 22 in the city of Gyumri.

The incident comes amid rising political tensions ahead of Armenia’s 2026 parliamentary elections. Grigoryan is expected to run as part of the Prosperous Armenia Party, led by businessman and opposition figure Gagik Tsarukyan, Caliber.Az reports via Armenian media.

The raid occurred one day after Tsarukyan held campaign events in Armenia’s Shirak region, including rallies aimed at mobilising support ahead of the upcoming vote.

Grigoryan is considered an influential political figure in Gyumri, Armenia’s second-largest city, where opposition parties recently gained momentum. In the latest special elections for the Gyumri Council of Elders, the ruling Civic Contract party reportedly lost control of the city after opposition groups united to secure a governing majority.

Local media also reported that authorities are preparing to detain at least one member of Grigoryan’s political team.

By Sabina Mammadli