The President of the UAR made a statement in connection with the court hearing scheduled for today in the "case" of Gagik Tsarukyan.

ArmInfo. President of the Union of Armenians of Russia Ara Abrahamyan issued a statement regarding the court hearing scheduled for today in the "case" of Gagik Tsarukyan, leader of the Prosperous Armenia Party.

"I strongly condemn the lawless policy being pursued in Armenia, further evidence of which is the illegal persecution and arrests of Gagik Tsarukyan and other prominent opposition figures – Robert Kocharyan, Samvel Karapetyan, Andranik Tevanyan, and many others. The persecution of the nation's spiritual leaders – the Catholicos of All Armenians, clergy – and interference in the internal affairs of the Armenian Holy Apostolic Church is absolutely unacceptable and shameful." Such politically motivated actions by the authorities are aimed at the deliberate destruction of the foundations of the state's economic and legal system, democratic and moral norms. I appeal to representatives of the judicial and law enforcement systems. Even in dark times, one can and should remain bright people, not go against one's conscience and preserve one's good name. I know Tsarukyan as a great patriot, a man who created an entire business empire from scratch, has been investing in its development for decades, in the prestige of the country, and has provided jobs for tens of thousands of families. I know that he was repeatedly offered at the highest level - at the level of presidents of states - to do business in various countries, including Europe. But Gagik Tsarukyan refused, remaining a patriot of his Armenia. By illegally depriving the political force led by Tsarukyan of its seat in parliament, Pashinyan is not only realizing his personal plans of revenge, but is also trying to weaken the economic power of the pillars of Armenian business, clearing the political and entrepreneurial field for his new "peace-loving friends." "from neighboring countries that do not hide their plans regarding Armenia. The persecution and arrest of Gagik Tsarukyan, like other opposition figures, should not leave anyone indifferent - from the average citizen to representatives of big business. I would say, first of all, representatives of big business, who should clearly state their position today, and not bury their heads in the sand. Gagik Tsarukyan is a powerful person and leader, and even in prison, he remains stronger and freer in spirit than those who persecute him. We demand the immediate release of all political prisoners in Armenia and an end to the intimidation and persecution of figures who disagree with the authorities' policy of surrendering national interests!" - Ara Abrahamyan said in a statement.