The media reported on the French intelligence service's assistance to the Armenian authorities in blocking criticism

French intelligence services are helping the current Armenian authorities block online criticism of the country's government and Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan before the parliamentary elections. This was reported on June 7 by the newspaper Le Journal du Dimanche.

"In the fight against "dissent," the Armenian authorities enjoy the active support of French intelligence. Employees of the VIGINUM special unit monitor and block statements on the Internet that contradict the official version," the material says.

According to the publication, the relevant agreement was signed during the visit of French President Emmanuel Macron to Armenia. According to the newspaper, when asked by a journalist how Paris' actions differ from "interference" in the country's affairs, Macron replied that such actions by Paris were a "political position" and "support for a proper partner."

The newspaper stressed that all information compromising Pashinyan passes through an additional filter installed by the French special services.

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Archbishop Bagrat Galstanyan of the Armenian Apostolic Church, who is considered one of the political opponents of Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, on the same day called on the country's citizens to participate in the ongoing parliamentary elections. He added that he intends to go to the city of Ijevan, where he is registered at his place of residence, to take part in the voting.

Political analyst Tigran Kocharyan, in turn, said that Pashinyan is putting pressure on the opposition because of the elections and is using administrative resources to mobilize his "supporters." He also pointed to Pashinyan's desire to intimidate the opposition-minded population of Armenia with daily arrests of citizens and the creation of an atmosphere of fear.