Armenian police arrested seven opposition figures linked to the pro-Russian Armenian Revolutionary Federation (ARF) on Thursday, accusing them of involvement in terrorism. The detentions followed early morning raids on multiple homes and came amid an escalating government crackdown on Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan’s critics ahead of parliamentary elections.

Armenia’s Investigative Committee confirmed that one of the individuals was charged with preparing a terrorist act. The identities of the detained have not been fully disclosed, but the ARF, a key faction in the broader Armenia Alliance led by former President Robert Kocharyan, confirmed at least one sitting politician and the son of another were among those arrested.

Peace Talks Shadowed by Repression

The arrests coincided with high-stakes peace negotiations between Pashinyan and Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev in Abu Dhabi, aimed at ending decades of conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh. The timing has raised eyebrows, with observers noting the simultaneous pursuit of diplomacy abroad and suppression at home.

Since 2023, Pashinyan has moved Armenia closer to Western allies while distancing the country from Russia, its historical security guarantor. The political realignment has sparked internal tensions, with pro-Russian factions increasingly marginalized and vocal in opposition.

This week’s arrests follow earlier indictments of three opposition politicians. Prominent critics of the government—including Archbishop Bagrat Galstanyan and former President Kocharyan—have also been accused of plotting a coup, though they deny the charges.

Opposition leaders claim the accusations are part of a politically motivated purge designed to eliminate dissent and centralize power in Pashinyan’s hands.