Arsen Gevorgyan’s party has accused the authorities of political persecution under EU-backed Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan

Armenian opposition politician Arsen Gevorgyan has died in custody less than three weeks after being arrested. His party has accused the pro-EU authorities of political persecution and blamed them for the death.

Gevorgyan, 46, headed the opposition Strong Armenia party’s list in the October 25 election in Stepanavan, northern Armenia. He was arrested on vote-buying charges four days before polls opened.

His condition deteriorated at Nubarashen prison on Tuesday morning. Officials at the facility stated that an on-duty medical officer had provided first aid before an ambulance arrived. Gevorgyan was pronounced dead at around 8:30 AM.

Armenian Justice Minister Srbuhi Galyan said the politician had suffered a cardiac arrest but did not disclose the underlying cause or any other details.…