Political scientist: Authorities` actions against ARF can potentially be directed towards any other party or individual in the future

ArmInfo. Today's actions taken by the authorities against the Armenian Revolutionary Federation "Dashnaktsutyun" (ARF) may be directed against any other political force or individual tomorrow, as noted by political scientist Suren Surenyants, in response  to the statement made by ruling Civil Contract party MP Hasmik Hakobyan. Hakobyan, particularly,  said: "The time has come to think about closing the ARF party again and including it in the list of terrorist organizations."

Surenyants believes that with this statement, the goal of the Civil Contract is being voiced,  while also demonstrating a desire to influence public opinion. "In this situation, it is irrelevant that my political team and the ARF adhere to different ideologies and values. It is not just about a specific political force, but about the principle: are we willing to defend those with whom we disagree ideologically, but who are facing repression simply for thinking differently," the political scientist noted. Surenyants emphasized that his position is not to defend the ARF, but to oppose political persecution and a new form of authoritarianism. "The pressure on the ARF sets a dangerous precedent. If we do not reject it, it could be repeated in the future. If we allow things like airsoft gear and T-shirts with the ARF logo to be used as evidence of planning a terrorist attack, then tomorrow such "evidence" could be found in the offices of each of us," the political scientist concluded.