Another Political Raid: This Government is Targeting Repressions in the Wrong Direction, Says Mikayel Minasian

Former Armenian Ambassador to the Holy See Mikayel Minasian made a Facebook post noting that for the umpteenth time, authorities have searched the homes of individuals they believe are connected to him. Below is the post:

“This morning, starting at 8 AM, for the umpteenth time, the homes of those whom this regime deems ‘related’ to me have been searched. The number of searched residences exceeds ten. This is yet another political raid.

The regime has chosen the method of repressing their political opponents through intimidation instead of engaging in any form of communication. The more competitive an opponent is to the regime, the more vigorously they interrogate, pursue, and search those around them – acquaintances, former colleagues, friends, and even casual acquaintances. It doesn’t matter that the accusations are fabricated, nor that direct pressure is exerted not to uncover the truth but to extract some testimony.

For a year and a half, they have been issuing threats, making announcements, yet they possess no substantial and factual evidence. What matters is the constant intimidation of the opponent’s entourage.

This is neither an exaggeration nor a manipulative means to elicit sympathy. It is a bitter truth that the regime does not even try to hide, applying this strategy even against those who have recently left its ranks (for instance, when a figure exits the state apparatus, the next day the 6th department searches their home).

In our case, without any pretense, there exists a direct order for repression, and the enforcers are present as well. Here they are.

There are already 10 criminal cases initiated that, according to the regime, are related to me, my family, or my circle. The law enforcement agencies have already conducted over 25 searches and interrogated more than 400 people. Each time, with the same obsession, they compel individuals to say something about me or my family.

In reality, this government is targeting repressions in the wrong direction. First, because no matter how much they search, pursue, and interrogate, they will not find anything. Accept it: there are people who operate and continue to operate within the legal framework. And accept that these individuals are not with you, but you cannot carry out criminal prosecution against them.

Even if there is a direct order for some discovery, de jure and de facto, without finding anything but continuing the pursuit, you are finding yourselves in an increasingly absurd situation.

This government is targeting repressions in the wrong direction because, unlike many, we have known from day one what this government is capable of. Now we also know who, where, and how they are carrying out the direct orders from the regime’s leadership. We know and will always remember.

And now, all of this is simply ridiculous, simplistic, and childish.

Meanwhile, we, who are part of a rapidly growing army of supporters, are united not against someone and not to overthrow some force, but around the values and goals that unite us. Around the vision of the future we have decided to build together. And nothing and no one will hold us back.

Keep attacking. We are steadfast, we exist, and we will continue to exist.”