By deciding to extend Ashotyan's detention, the court once again proved that it is an obedient tool of the current authorities. RPA

The court session on 08.01.2024 regarding the extension of the detention of the RPA vice-chairman Armen Ashotyan once again turned into a judicial farce and clearly showed that Armen Ashotyan is being subjected to political persecution.

"Despite the fact that it was confirmed by the court act entered into legal force that there is no reasonable suspicion regarding the most serious act attributed to Armen Ashotyan - money laundering, and the legal entity recognized as the victim was dissolved before the alleged act attributed to Armen Ashotyan, the Anti-Corruption Court extended for another three months A. Ashotyan's term of detention.

The decision to detain Ashotyan lacks any legal basis, as there is no evidence of influence on the involved parties in the fabricated criminal case. The court unreasonably rejected the motion to release Armen Ashotyan and rejected to apply alternative means of detention, in the presence of the guarantee of about a dozen reputational figures.

With its decision, the court once again proved that it is a submissive tool of the current authorities and is ready to continue the illegal practice of using detention for repression and punishment for dissent, already rooted in Armenia. The use of the judicial system for the purpose of political prosecution against opponents of the regime has become a daily routine for the Armenian authorities.

Armenia is increasingly falling into the arms of authoritarianism, contrary to the authorities' unsuccessful self-promotional attempts to position itself as a "bastion, island, beacon of democracy" in the South Caucasus. Political and public figures defending Armenian identity and national interests are targeted by the Armenian authorities. Today, as in the past, it remains relevant to ensure a broad public mobilization in support of the imprisoned figures, because their protection today is public self-defense.

Once again, we reaffirm that we will continue to fight to protect Armen Ashotyan's rights and freedom by all means not prohibited by law, both in Armenia and abroad".