Why was Samvel Babayan arrested?

Hraparak.am informed that Samvel Babayan has been arrested. It should be noted that media outlets have been constantly reporting that shadow leader of ORO alliance plans “Sasna Tsrer – 2” until April 2, and sharp steps and operations by the National Security Service (NSS) aren’t excluded, up to arrests.

“To clarify the information we applied to NSS press service, they promised to clarify later. And members of Ohanyan-Raffi-Oskanian alliance were unaware. Samvel Babayan’s mobile number was unreachable,” Hraparak.am wrote.

Today, NSS issued a statement, that it gathered preliminary intelligence in March 2017 on Armenian citizens smuggling an IGLA man-portable surface-to-air missile system from Georgia to Armenia. The National Security Service told as result of tactical recon and investigation actions the firing tube and the missile itself have been discovered and confiscated. A criminal case has been initiated on March 22.

Based on information under the disposal of Hraparak.am within this very case Samvel Babayan was arrested, RA NSS press service doesn’t respond to the phone calls, and they informed newsbook.am, that information will be provided in an hour.

In its turn, Asekose.am wrote, that sources confirm the information inside ORO alliance, that about two hours ago former commander of Defense Army Samvel Babayan has been arrested.

Today at around 13:20 correspondent of 168.am edified how from Yerevan’s Nalbandyan-Tumanyan intersection (near Samvel Babayan’s house), a few persons, also in uniforms, took the citizen into the car. There was black Mercedes nearby, registration plate of which ended by 444, which are considered to be those of Samvel Babayan. Based on information under our disposal, Samvel Babayan has a few cars, and one of them with 44UU444 registration plate.

We contacted Andranik Tevanyan, “Unity” Board coordinator, however, he said it isn’t convenient to talk and hung up.

By Armine Vardanyan