"Past": Political "fights without rules"
When following the current news cycle, it might appear as though the country is undergoing routine, standard domestic political processes—with various internal and external political issues being discussed. Furthermore, the foreign policy orientations of different political forces, among other topics, are being treated as subjects for serious debate. Yet, all of this—these discussions and the seemingly intense activity—becomes meaningless when one considers the actual reality: criminal cases have been fabricated against the leaders of the three or four primary opposition forces, and their political activities have been artificially restricted.
One of these opposition leaders is under "house arrest"—a situation that leaves the impression that this confinement of Samvel Karapetyan will only come to an end when the political power of the Civil Contract (KP) party itself comes to an end. Another opposition leader, Gagik Tsarukyan, is in custody; furthermore, Pashinyan’s "Civil Contract" party and the Central Election Commission effectively stole the votes cast for the Prosperous Armenia Party (PAP), preventing the party from entering the National Assembly. In addition, property belonging to Tsarukyan is being unlawfully seized.
Finally, Armenia’s second president, Robert Kocharyan, is being held in custody—unjustly, and for the fourth time in the last eight years. Robert Kocharyan—the president who oversaw the most effective, stable, secure, and peaceful period in the 35-year history of our state—is currently being held in what can be described as a "KGB-style dungeon." Moreover, the repressive apparatus under Pashinyan has effectively taken President Kocharyan’s eldest son, Sedrak Kocharyan, hostage.
Furthermore, when one examines the charges brought against these imprisoned opposition leaders, the disgrace becomes even more apparent. Samvel Karapetyan’s "guilt" lies in the fact that—not only is he Armenian and a very wealthy man—he also stands in defense of the Armenian Apostolic Church and champions national interests. Gagik Tsarukyan’s "guilt" is that—beyond being wealthy—he has created thousands of jobs, supports athletes, consistently stands by his fellow Armenians, upholds national values and statehood, and refuses to "dance to the tune" of the authorities.
As for Robert Kocharyan, his entire "sin" is simply that he is... Robert Kocharyan. This name—a name that triggers fits of terror and convulsions in members of the "Civil Contract" party, their various satellites, and even the anti-Armenian leadership of Azerbaijan. It seems, then, that "Kocharyan-itis" is an incurable disease. Sedrak Kocharyan is not an opposition figure; his entire "guilt" lies solely in the fact that he is Robert Kocharyan’s son. And that is it. Everything else is just empty noise—including the criminal "cases."
To characterize this abnormal situation in a single word: it is a dictatorship—or, to put it another way, a "no-holds-barred" fight.
Yet, something else is even more perplexing. Given the realities described, this should currently be the number-one agenda item for the political landscape and the active segment of society. On a daily basis—in every interview, conversation, statement, or meeting (whether with foreign ambassadors or other international partners), and in every public discussion—the focus should consistently begin and end by highlighting the rampant dictatorship and the aforementioned brutal repressions. In other words, these issues must become a top priority on both the domestic and foreign policy agendas—without, of course, overshadowing other significant matters, especially those concerning security.
This is the core issue. And as long as this fundamental problem remains unresolved—as long as opposition leaders and figures remain deprived of their liberty and unjustly imprisoned, and as long as there are political hostages—discussions regarding any other issues amount to little more than a "frivolous pastime."
