The Armenian opposition stated at the first meeting of the new parliament about the persecution of critics of the authorities.

At the first meeting of the Armenian Parliament of the IX convocation, opposition members pointed out that deputy Artur Sarkisyan is under house arrest due to his political views. The ruling party nominated Ruben Rubinyan as the sole candidate for the position of Speaker of the National Assembly, and Nikol Pashinyan's government resigned.

As reported by "Caucasian Knot", on July 30, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan announced that the government would resign on August 2. He noted that the candidacy for the new Prime Minister will be chosen at the first meeting of the parliament elected in the June elections, in which Pashinyan's party "Civil Contract" has a majority, and submitted for approval to the President of the country.

Deputies of the IX convocation of the National Assembly of Armenia gathered today for the first meeting. Immediately after the roll call, the opposition raised the issue of political persecution against deputy from the opposition bloc "Armenia" Artur Sarkisyan, News.am reported today.

Deputy Gegam Manukyan noted that their colleague Artur Sarkisyan has been placed under house arrest and could not participate in the parliamentary meeting. Sarkisyan has been persecuted for political reasons, having subjected the current authorities to harsh criticism, Manukyan emphasized.

Leader of the faction "Strong Armenia" Narek Karapetyan noted that most of its representatives entered the parliament for the first time. "We are a new force, and we must understand what formats can change the rating of the National Assembly and form a force that can achieve qualitative changes in Armenia," he told journalists.

Karapetyan stated that he does not believe the current authorities are ready for constructive work, accusing them of violations during the elections.

The faction of the ruling party "Civil Contract" during the first meeting of the newly elected parliament nominated Ruben Rubinyan as the sole candidate for the position of Speaker of the National Assembly, "ArmenPress" reported today.

"I am confident that his organizational skills, balanced approach, and political maturity will allow him to manage the work of the National Assembly extremely effectively," the agency quoted the head of the "Civil Contract" faction Aru Syak Manavazyan.

The government of Armenia led by Nikol Pashinyan resigned on the day of the first meeting of the newly elected parliament. The resignation of the government was accepted by the President of the country. Government members will continue to perform their duties until a new composition is formed, noted the publication 1lurer.am today.

It should be noted that the party "Civil Contract", led by the current Prime Minister of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan, won the parliamentary elections. Commenting on its victory, Pashinyan stated that the three-headed party of war has been defeated (referring to the "Strong Armenia" bloc, the "Armenia" bloc, and the "Prosperous Armenia" party).