Armenian authorities block opposition leader Tsarukian from leaving country

Armenian authorities have barred Gaguik Tsarukian, a prominent businessman and leader of the opposition Prosperous Armenia party, from leaving the country. Local media reported that Tsarukian was stopped at Zvartnots Airport. His party has requested a vote recount in the recent parliamentary elections, seeking to prove it meets the threshold for legislative representation.

Armenian media outlets circulated footage of Tsarukian at the airport as he was prevented from departing. Reports indicate that a criminal case has been opened against him for alleged tax evasion. Tsarukian's spokesperson, Iveta Tonyan, stated on Facebook that his travel was for personal reasons and he intended to be away for only two to three days.

Preliminary official results show Prime Minister Nikol Pashinian's Civil Contract party securing 49.82% of the vote. The main opposition party, Strong Armenia led by Russian-Armenian businessman Samvel Karapetian, garnered 23.28%. Tsarukian's Prosperous Armenia bloc received 9.94%, and is seeking a recount to reach the 4% minimum required for parliamentary entry. Pashinian's party can form a government alone but lacks the constitutional majority needed for certain reforms.

Prime Minister Pashinian has reiterated accusations of fraud against government detractors, vowing legal action against those involved in alleged vote-buying. Concurrently, the Armenian Investigative Committee reported the arrest of two candidates from the Strong Armenia party on suspicion of large-scale vote-buying and money laundering.

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Tsarukian wanted to travel for personal reasons and planned to be absent from the country for only two or three days