16:00 News in Brief: Vote Buying Scheme in Alaverdi, Over 50 Withdrawals

The news from the past hour, summarized and concise.

• The Anti-Corruption Committee of Armenia has revealed that the head of the Alaverdi office of the "Strong Armenia" party has provided cash bribes to citizens in exchange for votes during the parliamentary elections. To cover up the crime, the money was recorded as salaries for party office staff members, although these individuals had not performed any actual work. A criminal case has been initiated, searches have been conducted, and there are arrests.
• During a pre-election meeting, Minister of Territorial Administration and Infrastructure Davit Khudatyan stated that the government has no information regarding any increase in gas prices. He emphasized that "Gazprom" has not officially applied to the Armenian government regarding tariff revisions, thus denying media reports of a price hike for blue fuel.
• Minister of Economy Gevorg Papoyan clarified that law enforcement is only just now addressing the legality of the "Ararat Cement" factory, as the Prosecutor's Office has only now found the appropriate legal grounds. The minister stressed that there will be no compromises with any oligarch, and the government will pursue the return of all illegal properties. Previously, Nikol Pashinyan had also announced his intention to nationalize this enterprise.
• More than 50 candidates from the "I am against everyone" party have already withdrawn their nominations, with an additional 12 preparing to exit the electoral race. After legal clarifications with the Central Electoral Commission, only 25 candidates will remain on the party's list. The party's representatives state that this move guarantees the prompt renunciation of mandates and the implementation of promised reforms without delays.
• Lawyer David Hovhannisyan from Artsakh reported that Arthur Osipyan, who became embroiled in a debate with Nikol Pashinyan during the campaign, has been on hunger strike since his arrest. The activist has been incarcerated since May 18, 2026. According to the lawyer, this case exemplifies that nothing has changed in the judicial practices of Armenia since 2009.
• During a court hearing in the case of the "Holy Struggle," Judge Karen Farhoyan rejected MP Arthur Sargsyan's request to fully lift his pre-trial restrictions. However, the court decided to lessen the conditions of his house arrest, allowing him to meet with anyone except witnesses and participants in the same criminal case.
• The government has made changes to the regulations governing state support and budgetary guarantees provided to grape processors. The deadline for granting guarantees by the Ministry of Finance has been reduced from 14 working days to 10. Additionally, it has been determined that any additional funds obtained from the sale of mortgaged properties in the case of loan obligations overdue by 90 days or more will be directed to budgetary guarantee repayments.
• Maria Zakharova, the official representative of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, stated that any aggression against Russian citizens in Transnistria will receive an immediate response. She emphasized that Moscow is prepared to use all available means to ensure their security. This statement comes amid renewed tensions in the region.
• Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei has banned the export of enriched uranium outside the country. International analysts believe this decision could seriously concern Washington and complicate upcoming negotiations regarding nuclear issues. Simultaneously, Tehran has requested additional time through intermediaries to examine the U.S. conditions for resolving the Gulf conflict.