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Armenia Detains Two Opposition Podcasters on Hooliganism Allegations

The arrests follow a complaint by Speaker Alen Simonyan over alleged insults and threats in a November 10 broadcast.

Overview

  • Security officers searched the AntiFake office in Yerevan, seized equipment, and brought both men to Armenia’s Investigative Committee.
  • An investigator said Narek Samsonyan is charged with hooliganism, while the legal status of Vazgen Sagatelyan has not been specified.
  • Simonyan is seeking 2 million drams in damages from Sagatelyan and a public apology to be posted within five working days.
  • Defense attorneys argue the case is politically motivated and say the podcast contained no criminal elements.
  • The pair were previously held for about two months on similar charges in 2024 and were acquitted by a Yerevan court in May 2025.