Pashinyan’s Government Strips Opposition MPs Seyran Ohanyan & Artsvik Minasyan of Immunity, Moves Toward Criminal Charges

A move that raises new concerns about political repression in Armenia, the country’s ruling Civil Contract party used its majority in parliament on Monday to strip two leading opposition lawmakers of their parliamentary immunity. The lawmakers targeted are Seyran Ohanyan, a former defense minister and current leader of the opposition "Armenia" Faction, and Artsvik Minasyan, the faction’s secretary and a prominent figure in Armenian politics.

The National Assembly held a special session to debate the ruling bloc’s request to launch criminal proceedings against both men. Although the parliament approved removing their immunity, no formal motion for their arrest has yet been filed.

Also on the agenda is a similar effort targeting Artur Sargsyan, another MP from the same opposition faction. Unlike Ohanyan and Minasyan, however, the authorities are also seeking Sargsyan’s detention.

The vote and special session come during growing pressure from Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan’s government on political opponents and critics. Many in Armenia view these actions as part of a larger campaign to silence dissent, particularly those aligned with the country’s traditional political parties or supportive of Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh).

This is not the first time opposition figures have faced legal threats under the current administration. Over the past few years, several former officials and members of the opposition have been targeted by law enforcement, often following speeches or actions critical of the government’s foreign policy, especially its concessions to Azerbaijan and Turkey.

Seyran Ohanyan served as Armenia’s defense minister from 2008 to 2016 and played a central role in military affairs during the April 2016 Four-Day War. Artsvik Minasyan is a senior figure from the Armenian Revolutionary Federation (Dashnaktsutyun) and has served in key government positions in the past.

The timing and political nature of these charges raise questions about the health of Armenia’s democracy. Critics argue that using legal mechanisms to weaken or remove political opponents goes against the principles of pluralism and due process.

While the government insists that all actions are taken in line with the law, many Armenians, especially in the diaspora and civil society, are watching closely and calling for fairness and transparency.

The outcome of these proceedings could have long-term consequences not only for the individuals involved but also for the future of Armenia’s political balance. As the government continues to face domestic unrest, declining public trust, and regional instability, the pressure to control opposition voices may only intensify.

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