Criminal Case Launched Against Ishkhan Zakaryan, Pressured to Change Political Camps

According to Factinfo, a criminal case has been initiated against Ishkhan Zakaryan, the former president of the Audit Chamber and current member of the National Assembly of Armenia, at the National Security Service (NSS) on charges of abuse of office. The case concerns the land expropriation process; according to the investigative body, the organized auctions were merely formalities benefiting Ishkhan Zakaryan.

The authorities have communicated through a special envoy that he must either leave the opposition 'Honorary Title' faction, under which he was elected, or face imprisonment. Moreover, the matter is framed in such a way that he is not to resign from his mandate, and this month, Ishkhan Zakaryan, who has not distinguished himself through parliamentary activity, should remain as an additional 'button-pusher' for the authorities during votes on politically significant issues.

Factinfo also attempted to confirm this information regarding the initiation of the criminal case from official sources, but they suggested submitting a written inquiry, promising to provide a response upon receipt.

It should be noted that, according to unofficial information, the case was initiated with violations since during that time, Zakaryan already had immunity status, and to initiate criminal prosecution, overcoming this immunity is necessary, which in this case has not been secured. However, Zakaryan seems inclined not to fight against repression but rather to be 'gathered' by these treasonous authorities. He also lacks the dignity to simply declare his resignation from the mandate.

This is almost the same mechanism used in the case of former ruling party MP Sergey Bagratyan, who was also pressured by the authorities through ongoing criminal cases.