YEREVAN, April 20 – Law enforcement authorities conducted searches at the homes of members of the “Strong Armenia” party in Lori Province, including Vruyr Ayvazyan, a resident of Gyulagarak community and a member of the Lori branch of the “Strong Armenia” party. The searches were carried out yesterday evening as part of criminal proceedings initiated by the Lori Regional Investigative Department.
Details of the Searches and Confiscations
According to Vruyr Ayvazyan, investigators confiscated his wife’s and mother’s mobile phones, various storage devices, the family computer, and several notebooks containing agricultural notes. Ayvazyan stated this to ‘Azatutyun’ (Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty).
As previously reported, searches were conducted at the residences of “Strong Armenia” party members in Lori Province. The Investigative Committee confirmed to “Pastinfo” that the investigative actions are being conducted within the framework of criminal proceedings initiated on the occasion of compelling to hold or participate in a rally in the Lori Regional Investigative Department.
Ayvazyan Denies Coercion Allegations
Ayvazyan denied allegations that he coerced individuals to participate in the “Strong Armenia” party rally. He insisted that he did not compel anyone. Regarding residents from several villages in Stepanavan community who traveled by bus to the rally, he noted that those wishing to participate simply self-organized.
Detentions and Releases
Following searches conducted in the Stepanavan, Gyulagarak, and Kurtan communities of Lori Province, 22 supporters of the “Strong Armenia” party were apprehended. However, they were subsequently released.
Ongoing Investigations and Related Publications
The criminal proceedings are ongoing, and further details are expected to emerge as the investigation progresses. This incident follows a series of related events and publications concerning the “Strong Armenia” party and its activities in the region, including reports of other searches and detentions of party members and supporters.
The authorities have not yet released an official statement on the specific findings from the confiscated items or the next steps in the investigation. The “Strong Armenia” party has not yet issued a formal response to these recent developments.
The situation highlights the tense political climate in Armenia, particularly in the lead-up to potential elections and ongoing political movements.
Source: https://www.pastinfo.am/hy/news/2026/04/20/%D5%8E%D6%80%D5%B8%D6%82%D5%B5%D6%80-%D4%B1%D5%B5%D5%BE%D5%A1%D5%B6/1965729
