The Court of First Instance, presided over by Judge M. Shahverdyan, has changed Narek Samsonyan’s preventive measure to administrative supervision, while imposing a ban on public speech. The decision was granted following a defense motion, according to his lawyer Ruben Melikyan.
The ruling removes physical confinement but introduces a direct restriction on Samsonyan’s ability to engage in public and political discourse.
Samsonyan was arrested on November 13, 2025, together with his co-host Vazgen Saghatelyan, after a criminal case was launched over remarks made on their Imnemnimi podcast. The case was initiated after Alen Simonyan, a senior member of Pashinyan’s government, filed a report with law enforcement regarding statements made during the broadcast. Authorities subsequently brought hooliganism charges against both men. The arrests followed a widely viewed livestream featuring Serzh Sargsyan, which significantly increased attention around their platform.
Following his arrest, Samsonyan was placed in pre-trial detention. During his time in custody, he went on a hunger strike that led to a serious deterioration in his health. He was later hospitalized and underwent surgery, with his legal team arguing that continued detention was incompatible with his condition.
On February 19, 2026, the Court of Appeals replaced detention with house arrest, marking the first easing of the measure. The latest decision further reduces physical restrictions, while introducing a targeted limitation on speech.
Vazgen Saghatelyan, who was arrested in the same case, remains in pre-trial detention.
Taken together, the case raises serious concerns about freedom of expression, as Pashinyan’s government continues to pursue criminal proceedings and restrictive measures against opposition voices and critical media figures.
