Arsen Gevorgyan, the “Strong Armenia” party’s candidate for mayor of Stepanavan, has died in a correctional facility, reportedly of a heart attack, less than three weeks after his arrest ahead of the October 25 municipal elections.
On October 21, law enforcement agencies under Pashinyan’s administration carried out coordinated raids targeting members and supporters of the opposition party, resulting in 14 arrests. The Anti-Corruption Court ordered Gevorgyan detained for two months over allegations of electoral bribery.
The party rejected the accusations as politically motivated, accusing Pashinyan’s administration of using law enforcement and judicial proceedings to interfere with the elections and target political opponents. It subsequently challenged the election results, demanding that the vote be invalidated.
Gevorgyan’s death comes amid mounting allegations of political persecution under Pashinyan’s administration. On November 4, investigators searched 65 locations, including properties linked to “Strong Armenia” leader Samvel Karapetyan and his family.
This is not the first death involving an opposition figure held in custody under Pashinyan’s administration.
In January 2019, opposition official Mher Yeghiazaryan died of a heart attack in Nubarashen Prison following a 44-day hunger strike. In July 2022, outspoken Pashinyan critic Armen Grigoryan collapsed and died during a court hearing after nearly two months in pretrial detention. Both cases raised serious concerns about medical care in custody.
Gevorgyan’s death has renewed questions about the treatment of opposition figures detained under Pashinyan’s administration, including whether he received timely medical assistance. The circumstances surrounding his death remain unclear.
