Investigation into Electoral Rights Obstruction by Avetik Chalabyan Concluded

According to reports, the investigation into the criminal case concerning the obstruction of electoral rights has concluded in the State Commission on the Investigation of Corruption Offences against State Security, Constitutional Order, and Public Safety of Armenia. The investigation revealed apparent facts that A. Ch. (Avetik Chalabyan), as a coordinator of the Hayakve alliance, met on February 4, 2026, in one of the cafes in Yerevan with representatives of a foreign state in order to obstruct the free exercise of electoral rights of eligible voters during the parliamentary elections held on June 7, 2026.

During this meeting, he persuaded the foreign state representatives to use their official powers and influence to compel eligible citizens of Armenia, working for organizations owned by representatives of foreign states, to travel to Armenia and vote for the Strong Armenia alliance during the elections, thereby ensuring the victory of the political force they preferred. The representatives of the foreign state granted their consent in this regard.

As a result of the investigative and procedural actions, A. Ch. has been identified as the perpetrator of the crime, and, based on the decision of the supervising prosecutor, public criminal prosecution has been initiated against him under the 2nd part of Article 43-210 of the Criminal Code (preparation for obstructing the implementation of electoral rights by a group of persons acting in agreement by using official or service powers or the influence related to them).

A. Ch. has been remanded in custody as a measure of restraint. The criminal case has been sent to the supervising prosecutor with an accusatory conclusion.

Notice: The accused in the criminal case is presumed innocent until proven guilty by a final court decision in accordance with the procedure established by the Criminal Procedure Code.