Six Strong Armenia candidates have become suspects in a criminal case.

The Central Election Commission has authorized the criminal prosecution of six parliamentary candidates from the "Strong Armenia" bloc, suspected of money laundering and vote-buying.

As reported by the "Caucasian Knot," amid preparations for the elections, the authorities have increased pressure on opposition supporters, including those from the "Strong Armenia" bloc. On June 4, the Investigative Committee reported on the criminal prosecution of 37 individuals involved in the case of the previously arrested Alik Aleksanyan. Aleksanyan is suspected of money laundering and bribery of Armenian citizens for the political interests of businessman Samvel Karapetyan.

Six parliamentary candidates from the Strong Armenia bloc have been detained, and the police have been tasked with enforcing the decision, News.am reported today, citing the Investigative Committee.

The suspects are Vaage Tavakalyan, Hayk Avakyan, Vahag Yeghiazaryan, Artur Abrahamyan, Ashot Sahakyan, and Sasun Badoyan. These six candidates are suspected of bribing "multiple individuals" and money laundering on an especially large scale.

Earlier today, the Central Election Commission granted the Prosecutor General's motion to criminally prosecute and detain six parliamentary candidates from the "Strong Armenia" party, CEC press secretary Seda Ghukasyan told the publication.

6:20 PM 04.06.2026

Russian pressure creates uncertainty ahead of Armenian elections

Moscow's actions ahead of the parliamentary elections in Armenia demonstrate to the Civil Contract electorate that Nikol Pashinyan's policies could lead to isolation from a strategic ally, leading to an outflow of party supporters. At the same time, political scientists noted that pressure could contribute to social cohesion and, conversely, to an increase in Nikol Pashinyan's ratings.

Armenian parliamentary elections are scheduled for tomorrow, June 7. The Strong Armenia bloc of businessman Samvel Karapetyan, the Armenia bloc of former President Robert Kocharyan and the Prosperous Armenia party of oligarch Gagik Tsarukyan are the most pro-Russian participants in the elections. According to analysts, the parties of Samvel Karapetyan, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, and Robert Kocharyan will be key competitors in the elections.

At the same time, Russia's recent political steps, which have increased political and economic pressure on Armenia, have strengthened the beliefs of both pro-Russian and pro-Western voters.

The June elections will effectively be a referendum on the future of the current government and Armenia's foreign policy, according to the "Caucasian Knot" report "2026 Elections to the National Assembly (Parliament) of Armenia".