Tsarukyan from the NSS basements: Armenia is at a very difficult historical stage

ArmInfo. Armenia is at a very difficult historical stage, while the problems facing the country and its people are not being resolved, and society needs to consolidate. This is stated in a statement by Prosperous Armenia Party leader Gagik Tsarukyan, sent from the Yerevan-Kentron Penitentiary Institution, better known as the basements of Armenia’s National Security Service.

"Life does not stop after elections, no matter how extensive the injustices may be. The problems that concern people do not resolve themselves after elections. The problems and questions remain, as do the proposed solutions," he added.

Tsarukyan recalled that several months ago, when his team began working on the program, he had already stated that it was not a program for one month or for a single election.  In his words, it is a program for the development and restoration of Armenia that raises numerous issues and offers numerous solutions.

"I am saying the same thing now, when I am deprived of the opportunity to communicate with the people. Our problems have not gone away; they have not disappeared. Moreover, new ones have emerged over these months. I attach great importance to representatives of my team, PPA members and non-party individuals actively participating in the country’s public life and taking part in discussions of all issues important to our country. Effective cooperation with various political and public structures, professional groups and active citizens is important. Working with international partners is very important. Armenia is at a very difficult historical stage," he noted.

"Usually, in order to overcome difficult periods, countries and societies unite their efforts, brainstorm and make joint efforts. In other words, they create an atmosphere of internal solidarity. We must create such an atmosphere if our country is dear to us. This social division and hostility harm our country.  The task of all of us should be to work with all our strength for the benefit of our country and our people. I expect this from my team as well. I am certain that our people have all the resources to overcome this difficult period," Tsarukyan said.

It should be recalled that on July 6, Prosperous Armenia Party leader and businessman Gagik Tsarukyan was detained and taken to the Investigative Committee of Armenia. He is accused of organizing fraud and the legalization (laundering) of money on an especially large scale. According to the investigation, in 2022-2024, a group operating under his leadership, under the pretext of developing trade and economic ties between Armenia and Iran, established joint legal entities involving Iranian citizens, after which it implemented a fraudulent scheme, causing damage amounting to more than $21 million.  In addition, Gagik Tsarukyan has been charged with another offense—illegal hunting. On July 7, the court granted the prosecution’s motion to remand Tsarukyan in custody for two months.  As part of the case, on July 6 law enforcement agencies conducted searches at more than 70 addresses linked to Tsarukyan. The doors of all the enterprises were sealed afterward. Some of them were nationalized by the state. On September 4, the court extended Tsarukyan’s detention for another two months.