Businessman Samvel Karapetyan, chairman of Strong Armenia, has called for an independent and impartial investigation into the death of Arsen Gevorgyan, the party’s 46-year-old candidate for head of the Stepanavan community, who died in detention on November 10.
In a condolence message issued from detention, Karapetyan stressed the need to establish all the circumstances surrounding Gevorgyan’s death.
Gevorgyan reportedly died of a myocardial infarction early on November 10.
“Arsen refused to remain silent even when political persecution and organized smear campaigns had become an everyday reality in our country under these disastrous and deadly authorities. Unfortunately, the illegal and irresponsible conduct of the government machinery did not spare Arsen either.
“His death, which occurred while he was being held in unlawful detention, was an immensely painful and tragic loss, and those responsible will not be able to escape the punishment prescribed by law,” Karapetyan said.
He emphasized that the tragedy required not only condolences but also a comprehensive, independent and impartial investigation and a clear assessment of responsibility.
“We consider it our duty to ensure that all the circumstances of this tragedy are uncovered and that those responsible are held accountable under the law. Arsen’s struggle to build a dignified Armenia will continue,” he added.
Criminal proceedings have been initiated in connection with Gevorgyan’s death.
The opposition Armenia parliamentary faction also issued a statement blaming what it described as “the current authoritarian government and its leader, Nikol Pashinyan.”
The faction alleged that detention had become an instrument for silencing, isolating and punishing political opponents, with consequences leading to irreversible human tragedies.
“We are witnessing another human tragedy under a government that proclaims itself democratic while carrying out widespread repression against its opponents,” the statement said.
The faction also claimed that opposition leaders and dissenters remained in detention and accused the authorities of acting with increasing impunity in the absence of international opposition.
It extended condolences to Gevorgyan’s family, relatives and members of Strong Armenia.
According to information about the incident, Gevorgyan, born in 1980, had been held at the Nubarashen penitentiary institution since October 21, 2026.
Early on November 10, a duty paramedic was summoned after his health deteriorated and provided first aid. An ambulance was called at approximately 7:55 a.m., and its medical team confirmed his death at around 8:30 a.m.
