Law enforcement authorities under Pashinyan’s government launched simultaneous searches at 65 locations on November 4, including the residences of “Strong Armenia” party leader Samvel Karapetyan and parliamentary faction leader Narek Karapetyan.
Party spokesperson Aghavni Sukiasyan reported that searches began early Wednesday morning and extended to other properties linked to the Karapetyan family.
The Investigative Committee confirmed that 65 addresses were being searched as part of a criminal investigation into economic crimes and smuggling. Spokesperson Kima Avdalyan did not specify the allegations or clarify how many properties were connected to the family.
Speaking outside Samvel Karapetyan’s residence, National Assembly Deputy Speaker Aram Vardevanyan reported the presence of special forces vehicles and National Security Service officers.
Vardevanyan accused Pashinyan’s government of carrying out a politically motivated operation.
“Do not look for any legal basis here. This falls entirely within the realm of political orders, political instructions, and political commands,” he said.
The searches come days after Nikol Pashinyan threatened to mobilize public pressure against parliamentary opposition forces resisting constitutional changes demanded by Azerbaijan.
On October 29, Pashinyan raised the possibility of snap parliamentary elections if opposition lawmakers continued blocking a constitutional referendum. He also suggested organizing demonstrations outside parliament and said the current opposition should not return to the legislature following such elections.
On November 2, Pashinyan reiterated that his ruling “Civil Contract” party should lead public pressure against opposition lawmakers if they continued blocking the referendum.
The Investigative Committee has not addressed allegations that the searches were politically motivated.
