Yerevan, July 9 — Armenia is facing rising political instability as Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan intensifies his crackdown on opposition figures, clergy, and business leaders — actions that analysts say reflect growing fears within the government of a potential coup attempt ahead of next year’s elections.
The latest move came on July 8, when Armenian authorities conducted searches at the headquarters of Electric Networks of Armenia (ENA) in Yerevan, a key electricity distribution monopoly owned by Russian-Armenian businessman Samvel Karapetyan. Investigators also raided the home of Narek Karapetyan, ENA’s chairman and the businessman’s nephew. The Armenian parliament recently passed legislation that would enable the nationalization of ENA, a move many view as politically motivated.
Karapetyan, who also controls the Tashir Group — which owns Russia-based retail centers like RIO malls — was arrested on June 18 and charged with inciting the violent overthrow of the government. His detention came amid escalating tensions between the Pashinyan government and the Armenian Apostolic Church, which has vocally opposed recent state policies.
Soon after, two senior clerics — Archbishops Bagrat Galstanyan and Mikael Ajapakhyan — were also arrested, signaling a rare confrontation between church and state.
Parliament and Legacy of Conflict
This week, the Armenian parliament stripped Seyran Ohanyan, a former defense minister and current opposition lawmaker, of parliamentary immunity. He now faces fraud charges. Ohanyan, who held top military positions during the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, has long been accused by Azerbaijani officials of involvement in war crimes, including the 1992 Khojaly massacre — allegations he has denied.
Analysts Warn of Strategic Risks
Political analyst Murad Sadaddinov told Media.Az that the government’s actions, including the moves against ENA, reflect a broader push to consolidate state authority in the face of growing internal dissent.
“Strategic sectors like electricity cannot be in the hands of those calling for regime change,” he said, alleging that ENA leadership had even pressured employees to attend anti-government rallies.
Sadaddinov also claimed that evidence has emerged of the Church’s involvement in planning unrest, referencing an alleged audio recording. Regarding Ohanyan, he suggested that the current charges are minor compared to his past actions and urged prosecutors to investigate further.
“If the revanchist opposition manages to topple Pashinyan’s government, Armenia risks renewed international isolation,” Sadaddinov warned. “Given the current geopolitical landscape in the South Caucasus, and the roles of Azerbaijan and Turkey, Armenia could face a collapse of its statehood and sovereignty if it reverts to past policies.”
Despite the turbulence, Sadaddinov remains skeptical that opposition forces have the strength or coordination to oust the current leadership.
