Armenian Prosecutors Drop One Charge Against Opposition Leader Gagik Tsarukyan as Criminal Case Continues

Photo Credit: Azatutyun.am

Armenian prosecutors have dropped one of the criminal charges against jailed opposition leader and businessman Gagik Tsarukyan, easing part of the legal case that has unfolded during a broader government crackdown following the country's disputed parliamentary election.

The charge of large-scale tax evasion was dismissed after prosecutors determined it had been brought unlawfully, according to Tsarukyan's attorney, Yerem Sargsyan. The Investigative Committee has not publicly commented on the decision or explained why the accusation was withdrawn.

Tsarukyan, who leads the Prosperous Armenia Party, was charged with tax evasion two days after the June 7 parliamentary election, in which his party emerged as one of the country's leading opposition forces. His legal team argued that investigators violated Armenian law by filing the case without first obtaining authorization from the Central Election Commission, a safeguard required when prosecuting an election candidate.

The tax allegation was later followed by fraud charges after investigators searched Tsarukyan's home and dozens of businesses tied to his Multi Group holding before arresting him on July 6. Authorities say the case stems from a financial dispute involving Iranian business partners. Tsarukyan has rejected the allegations as politically motivated and fabricated, while his lawyers insist he was the victim of fraud rather than its perpetrator.

On Tuesday, investigators brought Tsarukyan, handcuffed, to the Investigative Committee's headquarters in Yerevan for what his defense described as an additional interrogation. The questioning continued for several hours as supporters gathered outside the building, applauding his arrival and chanting his name.

Among them was veteran politician Suren Surenyants, a longtime ally of Tsarukyan, who dismissed suggestions that the opposition leader could withdraw from politics because of the criminal proceedings or the growing pressure on his business empire.

"His mood is combative, and such a scenario is out of the question," Surenyants told reporters.

The investigation has also disrupted Tsarukyan's business operations. Most of the companies searched during the July 6 raids remain effectively closed, although authorities have publicly accused only some of them of tax violations. Officials have yet to explain why many of the other businesses have remained shut.

Last week, the Armenian government assumed control of two major Tsarukyan-owned assets: a cement plant and a large fitness center in Yerevan. Tsarukyan's legal team, the Prosperous Armenia Party, and other opposition figures condemned the move as illegal, arguing it represents another step in the state's campaign against one of Armenia's most influential opposition politicians.

—

Support independent reporting from the region by subscribing to The Armenian Report. Our team is funded solely by readers like you.