A member of the political council of an opposition party has been detained in Armenia.

Security forces in Armenia have detained Artur Astoyan, a member of the political council of the "Country for Life" party. The party leader stated that the arrest was politically motivated.

As reported by the "Caucasian Knot," in preparation for the elections, Armenian authorities have increased pressure on opposition supporters. On June 4, the Investigative Committee reported 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.

Pre-election ratings of Armenian parties

This morning, Artur Astoyan, a member of the political council of the Country for Life party and head of the faction of the Council of Elders of the Artik community in the Shirak region, was detained and taken to the Investigative Committee, the party leader reported. Mane Tandilyan.

"This is yet another manifestation of the current government's cowardice toward opposition activity. Justice must prevail in our country, and people should not be deprived of their freedom because of their political views," News.am quotes her as saying today.

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 become key competitors in the elections.

Russian pressure factor adds uncertainty ahead of elections in Armenia

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

The 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".