ARAVOT

As a result of measures carried out by officers of the Anti-Corruption Committee of the Republic of Armenia, factual information was obtained indicating that a supporter of the “Armenia” Alliance of Parties and the head of the Alliance’s office operating in the town of Spitak, after the presidential decree scheduling the regular elections to the National Assembly entered into force on February 7, 2026, unlawfully provided monetary assistance free of charge to a resident of Armenia’s Lori Province who is an eligible voter, despite the legislative prohibition on charitable activities during the election period.

In addition, together with other individuals, the person allegedly obstructed the free exercise of the electoral rights of another resident of the same province by threatening the latter with violence.

A criminal proceeding has been initiated by the Anti-Corruption Committee in connection with the incident. Several individuals have been arrested, and searches as well as other procedural actions have been carried out.

The Anti-Corruption Committee states that ensuring the legality of electoral processes remains a priority and that all election-related violations remain under the Committee’s daily scrutiny. The Committee also reminds the public that both giving and receiving electoral bribes are punishable by imprisonment ranging from seven to eight years.

We urge all individuals to refrain from any unlawful interference in the electoral process and to ensure citizens’ right to freely express their will.

Notice: A person charged with a crime is presumed innocent until proven guilty in accordance with the procedure established by the Criminal Procedure Code of the Republic of Armenia and by a court verdict that has entered into legal force.

ANTI-CORRUPTION COMMITTEE OF THE REPUBLIC OF ARMENIA

What is taking place is not a legal process, but yet another cheap attempt to obstruct the normal functioning of our structures: “Armenia” Alliance

ARAVOT

The “Armenia” Alliance issued the following statement:

The actions taking place at our office in Spitak and the targeting of our teammates come as no surprise. Such conduct by the law enforcement system has long become the trademark of the current regime.

These actions once again demonstrate that the authorities lack public support and confidence in their own capabilities, and in order to secure their continued hold on power, they resort to such measures.

What is taking place is not a legal process, but another cheap attempt to obstruct the normal functioning of our structures.

Through such methods, the authorities are attempting to spread an atmosphere of fear, yet this only strengthens our conviction that the path we have chosen is the right one. No search or arrest can alter our political agenda; our team knows what it is fighting for.

We call on our citizens to respond to all unlawful actions carried out by the authorities on June 7 by rejecting the authoritarian regime established in Armenia.

Political competition must take place at polling stations and through public debate, not under conditions involving the use of coercive methods.

Facebook post: by attorney Alexander Kochubayev:

Today, searches and arrests were carried out at the Spitak office of the ‘Armenia’ Alliance. This raises serious concerns from the standpoint of the rule of law and the preservation of the principles of free and fair elections.

The accusations are reportedly based on allegations of exerting improper influence over voters’ free will and possible violations of the ban on charitable activities during the election period. However, it must be emphasized that the very essence of election campaigning is to meet with citizens, present political positions, gain their trust, and call on them to support a given political force in the elections.

Efforts by representatives of a political force to persuade voters to cast their ballots in their favor cannot, in and of themselves, be regarded as interference with voters’ free will, provided there are no elements of coercion, threats, dependency, or unlawful influence. Any contrary interpretation creates a dangerous precedent under which any active campaigning could become subject to criminal prosecution.

State intervention in electoral processes must be strictly proportionate, lawful, and based on clear evidence. Otherwise, such actions may be perceived not as legitimate law enforcement activity, but as a means of influencing political processes.

In a democratic state, political competition must take place at polling stations and through public debate, not under conditions involving the use of coercive methods.