Pashinyan Says Foreign Influence Networks Exposed

Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan announced that foreign influence networks have been exposed in Armenia, Orda.kz reports, citing JAMNews.

Networks of foreign influence agents in Armenia have been fully exposed, including within the framework of ongoing criminal cases in court; the sources of funding for these agents have been neutralized, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said.

He did not specify which country the individuals involved in the criminal cases were allegedly working for. 

Background Events

The announcement comes after the arrests of prominent businessman Samvel Karapetyan, linked to Russia, and  Gyumri Mayor Vardan Ghukasyan, known for his pro-Russian stance.

Separately, small protests have taken place in Armenia’s Gyumri, expressing support for Russia's military presence in the area — The Russian 102nd Military Base.

Meanwhile, Pashinyan has previously rejected the idea that Russia or the Kremlin is behind what has been called "a hybrid war."

He, however, did not rule out that "certain groups" in Russia may be involved, but did not delve into details.