Mayoral Candidate Arsen Gevorgyan Dies in Armenian Custody

Arsen Gevorgyan, the Strong Armenia party candidate for mayor of Stepanavan, died on the morning of November 10 while held at the Nubarashen Penitentiary. The Penitentiary Service of the Republic of Armenia reported that medical assistance was summoned at 07:55 after Gevorgyan's health deteriorated, and biological death was recorded at 08:30. Preliminary data indicates the 46-year-old died of a heart attack.

Arsen Gevorgyan had been remanded in custody for two months on October 21 by the Anti-Corruption Court of Armenia. He faced charges from the Anti-Corruption Committee of Armenia for vote buying and aiding in a bribery scheme as part of a group. The Penitentiary Service stated that Gevorgyan had not presented any health-related complaints during his detention.

Following the death, the National Agenda coalition of political parties issued a joint statement holding the administration of Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and the justice system responsible. The coalition characterized the death as a result of political persecution and an atmosphere of political vendetta. The parties called for a full investigation and urged international organizations and diplomatic missions to assess human rights violations and the practice of political persecution in Armenia.