Building of Tsarukyan’s sports complex has been transferred to ownership of Yerevan city hall
As reported by the “Caucasian Knot”, on July 7, the court arrested the leader of the opposition party “Prosperous Armenia”, billionaire Gagik Tsarukyan, for two months, who is accused of fraud and tax evasion. Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan stated during the election campaign in May that the “Araratcement” plant, owned by Tsarukyan’s family, would be nationalized. After that, the prosecutor’s office announced a case regarding violations during the privatization of the enterprise and filed a lawsuit in court demanding the annulment of the privatization of the “Araratcement” enterprise. On July 9, the workers of the “Araratcement” plant achieved the reopening of the sealed enterprise, while Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan threatened them with dismissals for participating in protests. The anti-corruption court transferred the “Araratcement” company to state management, and the prosecutor’s office is also demanding the confiscation of other assets of the businessman.
Other enterprises of the head of “Prosperous Armenia” Gagik Tsarukyan have not resumed operations after his arrest. On July 13, 14, and 15, their employees went out to protests, stating that they risked being left without means of livelihood.
The building of Gagik Tsarukyan’s sports complex “Multi Sport” has completely passed into the ownership of the Yerevan city hall, however, it will continue to function as a training center, the city mayor Tigran Avinyan reported. He explained that due to recorded violations on the construction built on community land, the city authorities unilaterally terminated the contract, but the rights of the athletes training there will be protected, News.Am writes.
According to him, violations were recorded about a year ago. “We held various discussions with them, but no solutions were found. After it became impossible to find a solution, final decisions were made,” Avinyan’s words are quoted by “News Armenia”
When asked whether this decision is related to the recent events surrounding Gagik Tsarukyan, the actions of the National Security Service, and criminal cases, Avinyan replied that this specific process began much earlier and would have occurred regardless of any other processes.
Tsarukyan’s party “Prosperous Armenia” along with other Armenian political parties previously issued a statement about the illegitimacy of the authorities and plans to seek their removal.
