We call for an immediate review of the chosen measure of restraint against Aregnaz Manukyan: Statement from the female opposition MPs of the National Assembly.

10-07-2026 19:35 Armenia Announcements

The female opposition MPs of the National Assembly have issued a statement regarding the detention of Aregnaz Manukyan.

«URGENT STATEMENT BY THE FEMALE OPPOSITION MPs OF THE RA NATIONAL ASSEMBLY»

We, the female MPs of the National Assembly of the Republic of Armenia, express deep concern regarding the application of detention as a measure of restraint against our colleague, Aregnaz Manukyan, a member of the board of the "Mother Armenia" party.

Believing that the initiated criminal proceedings are directed by the executive power and evidently have a political context, and also questioning the existence of legal grounds, we nonetheless note that detention is an extreme measure in criminal proceedings and is applied when it is impossible to ensure the normal course of the proceedings by milder means.

The principles of the rule of law, human freedom, and the presumption of innocence require that each such decision be proportional, sufficiently justified, and unavoidable.

Taking into account the public resonance of the fact, Aregnaz Manukyan's political and social activities, the circumstance of having a minor child, as well as the principles of protecting fundamental human rights, we call for:

1. An immediate review of the measure of restraint applied to Aregnaz Manukyan.

2. The application of alternative measures of restraint not related to deprivation of liberty.

3. Ensuring full compliance with the law, fair trial, and international human rights standards throughout the criminal proceedings.

Therefore, we urge the Prosecutor General of the Republic of Armenia, Anna Vardapetyan, and the head of the prosecuting body, Arthur Poghosyan, to reconsider the necessity of detention and to ensure the release of Aregnaz Manukyan from detention by applying a milder, alternative measure of restraint.

We affirm that public trust in justice can only be maintained when each decision is based solely on the principles of law and legality, rather than on political repression.

We, the female opposition MPs of the National Assembly, express our full support for Aregnaz Manukyan and her family, convinced that the freedom of speech, conscience, political views, and activities are inviolable values.

1. Galstyan Lilit

2. Gasparyan Irina

3. Grigoryan Anna

4. Tovmasyan Takhuhy (non-partisan)

5. Khmoyan Agnesa

6. Kheranyan Armine

7. Kyureghyan Armenuhi

8. Krpeyan Asprom

9. Mirzoyeva Zemfira

10. Mkrtchyan Anna («I Have Honor» faction)

11. Vardanyan Arpine

12. Vardanyan Elinar