Tensions in Armenia's domestic political arena have reached their peak. The country's "Hayastan" bloc leader, former president Robert Kocharyan, is expected to face formal charges. The Central Election Commission of Armenia (CEC) has already officially approved the filing of charges against the former head of state. Following these legal steps, a strict ban has been imposed on R. Kocharyan leaving the country. This decision is regarded as the harshest official reaction against revanchist forces in Armenia in the pre-election period.
Commenting on the matter to Medianews.az, political analyst Mohammad Asadullazadeh stated that Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan had announced serious sanctions and measures against Robert Kocharyan and Samvel Karapetyan even before the election process began:
"In general, it is not correct to evaluate N. Pashinyan's actions as classic political repression against R. Kocharyan and S. Karapetyan. Because both figures fundamentally represent a direct potential threat to the statehood of Armenia. During his long years in power, Robert Kocharyan tried to make his country fully dependent on Russia and committed fairly serious crimes during his administration. The political line he now pursues and defends is entirely contrary to the national interests of the Armenian people.
The main goal of billionaire Samvel Karapetyan, who was sent by Moscow on a special mission, is to reattach Armenia to Russia's orbit and drag the country into a new bloody war with Azerbaijan. Such an adventurist activity directly questions Armenia's existence as a state. Currently, S. Karapetyan is calling the population to new mass protests and acts of disobedience against the current government.
As seen, the pressures applied by the Pashinyan administration against these individuals are being implemented entirely within a legal framework and aim to protect Armenia's state sovereignty. N. Pashinyan will never allow this opposition, which is directly linked to Russia and serves the interests of foreign circles, to operate freely and comfortably within parliament."