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A number of Armenian opposition figures are facing charges for organizing and holding rallies in violation of the temporary restrictions imposed during the martial law under Article 225.1 of Armenia’s Criminal Code.

ARF member Gegham Manukyan, One Armenia Party leader Artur Ghazinyan and Homeland party member Arsen Babayan are among the opposition politicians charged by the Special Investigative Service (SIS), but all of them deny any wrangling.

Ghazinyan told reporters on Wednesday that he had been arrested under one article, but charged based on the requirements of another article. "It is obvious that this is a political persecution. There is almost no legal component in this criminal case, it is just missing,” he said.

A signature bond has been imposed on him as a measure of restraint.

Earlier on Wednesday, Republican Party of Armenia spokesman Eduard Sharmazanov said he had been summoned to the SIS and charged under the same article.

Homeland party member Babken Harutyunyan noted that leader of the party Artur Vanetsyan, had also been summoned to the Special Investigation Service. Member of the ARF Supreme Body Ishkhan Saghatelyan was also invited to the SIS.

17 opposition parties are set to hold a rally at the Liberty Square in Yerevan at 6pm today.