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Tensions have risen outside the Armenian National Assembly as lawmakers are debating striping the opposition Prosperous Armenia Party (PAP) leader Gagik Tsarukyan of his parliamentary immunity.

A group of Tsarukyan’s supporters and police officers have gathered outside the parliament. Police are repeatedly telling citizens to leave the area as rallies are banned due to the coronavirus-related state of emergency in the country, warning that they will be held accountable for defying police demands.

Armenia’s Prosecutor General Artur Davtyan asked the National Assembly to strip Tsarukyan of his immunity on Monday. The move aims to pave the way for criminal proceedings against Tsarukyan with immunity from prosecution and indict him.

The lifting of the immunity of Gagik Tsarukyan from the second biggest political faction in parliament is sought over 2 criminal proceedings, including conducting unlicensed gambling activities and election falsification during the 2017 parliamentary elections, according to the press service of the Prosecutor General’s Office.

The lawmaker and his allies strongly reject the accusations as “politically motivated”.