Armenian Opposition Podcasters Detained

Narek Samsonyan and Vazgen Saghatelyan, who host the well-known Imnemnimi podcast that often airs criticisms, were taken into custody in Yerevan. This happened after the National Security Service (NSS) searched their homes and the AntiFake company office, where they say podcast-related equipment was taken.

Armenia's Investigative Committee (IC) said that a criminal case has begun against the hosts. They're being charged with hooliganism (Article 297, Part 2, Clauses 1 and 3 of the Criminal Code), which says they did it as a group using tech, which could mean up to five years in prison. The IC has asked the court to rule on holding them before the trial.

Disagreement with Parliament Leader

These detentions happened because of a complaint filed by Parliament Speaker Alen Simonyan about a November 10 Imnemnimi episode. Simonyan said the podcasters used insults and threats against him.

The arrests are part of a growing argument after Samsonyan and Saghatelyan spoke with former President Serzh Sargsyan, who strongly disagreed with Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan on the Karabakh war. After this, Simonyan insulted the hosts publicly. The podcasters then reportedly insulted and threatened Simonyan on air. Simonyan said he had to respond to the threats and wants over $5,000 and a public apology.

Legal and Political Information

The podcasters are known for their strong disapproval of the Armenian leaders. Lawyers Ruben Melikyan and Arsen Babayan, who are representing the men, say they weren't allowed to be there during the searches and questioning. Both believe the detentions are political and not about justice.

The hosts have been in trouble before. In spring 2024, they were arrested for hooliganism after insulting PM Pashinyan and other people in charge, but were found not guilty in May 2025.