Leaked Supporters of 'Strong Armenia' Are Current Village Heads

The newspaper "Zhoghovurd" reports that although the Anti-Corruption Committee of Armenia is trying to prove that the leaks regarding "Strong Armenia" are not political, it has come to light that an uncomfortable situation has arisen with the current leaders of the administrative districts of Syunik being overheard while listening to the opposition.

The Anti-Corruption Committee has officially reported that evidence has been uncovered regarding vote buying, receiving, and obstructing individuals in the free realization of their electoral rights. In particular, it has been officially communicated that the Committee and the police of the Syunik regional administration have obtained factual data concerning individuals affiliated with a businessman of Armenian descent residing in Orenburg, Russia. These individuals allegedly promised several voters to forgive a portion of their debts, offer them jobs, and otherwise bribe them in exchange for voting for the "Strong Armenia" party in the upcoming National Assembly elections scheduled for June 7, 2026.

Additionally, these individuals reportedly attempted to obstruct several residents of the Sisian community from freely exercising their electoral rights, which manifested in threats of violence against them. As a result, the Anti-Corruption Committee has initiated a criminal proceeding, leading to the arrest of several individuals and the execution of searches and other procedural actions. Furthermore, the preliminary investigation authority has released a recording. Nothing official is known about the other participants in this case.

The recording insinuates the involvement of the head of the Shaghati administrative district, who has reportedly been taken from Syunik to Yerevan by law enforcement.

What connection do the heads of the enlarged community of Sisian—Ashotavan, Sarnakunk, and Shaghat—have with the bribery case linked to representatives of the “Strong Armenia” party? The newspaper attempted to obtain answers to these questions from the community heads. Ashotavan district head Armen Beglaryan immediately denied reports claiming that he was summoned by the Anti-Corruption Committee, refusing to answer further questions.

We also called the head of the Shaghati administrative district, Tigran Khachatryan, who confirmed the information that he indeed was taken to the Anti-Corruption Committee but assured that he has no connection to the case: "Look, what I am saying is, yes, I was taken, and they told me that nothing should be published. I am a witness in the case, and that’s that," the village head said succinctly.

Meanwhile, the head of the Sarnakunk administrative district, Arsen Torosyan, informed the newspaper that only his name has been mentioned in some discussions, which is why he was taken. He stated that he has absolutely no connection to "Strong Armenia" and holds a witness status. When we inquired if he is a member of the ruling Civil Contract party, he revealed that he is non-partisan but works as a village head.

"I don’t have a stance; I advise against delving into political matters. I will fulfill my role; I will know whom I will be supporting," the village head concluded.

Thus, the situation has become quite uncomfortable; the opposition has been intercepted, and it turns out that village heads working during the ruling party's tenure are now in the spotlight. The heads of Sarnakunk, Ashotavan, and Shaghati have been taken by the Anti-Corruption Committee in a bribery case. However, official sources remain silent on this matter.

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