Armenian opposition’s prime ministerial nominee charged over attempted 'usurpation of power' (updated)  

The Homeland Salvation Movement’s candidate for the prime minister of Armenia has been invited to the Investigative Committee for interrogation.

Vazgen Manukyan had received a notice from the agency informing him of a criminal case over “public calls for usurping power” (Article 301 of the Criminal Code).

At a February 20 opposition rally in Yerevan, Manukyan, a former prime minister who also led the Public Council of Armenia for over 10 years, told a crowd of supporters to prepare for “revolting and taking power at a lightning speed at any moment”.

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The politician considers the criminal case a political persecution targeting his personality. "I cannot characterize it otherwise," he told journalists outside the Committee on Thursday afternoon.

Manukyan also insisted on "repeated violations" of the Constitution of Armenia after the 2018 "Velvet Revolution". He pointed out to serious abuses especially after the second Karabakh (Artsakh) war, blaming the incumbent prime minister for a "continued policy of handing over lands".

"After the disgraceful defeat in the war, the prime minister continues handing over the lands of Syunik now that the martial law regime has been totally lifted. It amounts to a grave violation of the Constitution and an offense for which he must be held criminally liable," the opposition leader commented. 

Meantime, he expressed a firm belief that the anti-government campaign will continue despite his possible arrest. "One thing is obvious: this is a nationwide call for his [PM Nikol Pashinyan's] removal. If I am detained, there are thousands of people who will keep this movement in progress. This campaign is not my personal whim; it is a public demand and the only way out for our salvation," he added. 

Manukyan said he does not intend to respond to any question or give any testimony. "I do not care at all about what questions they will be asking me, as I am not going to answer any of them. I will not give testimony either. I have said sentences which are for laywers to give further interpretations to," he added.