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The opposition Hayastan alliance has extended condolences on the demise of film producer Armen Grigoryan, who was critical of Armenia’s government.

Grigoryan died during his trial in Yerevan on Friday. The cause of his sudden death is yet to be established after a forensic examination.

“Armen Grigoryan, who had been placed under arrest at the request of the National Security Service (NSS) from May 17, was another victim of the regime and the tyranny growing in the country with each passing day,” the bloc said in a statement on Saturday.

“Human rights, dignity and freedom are of no value to the authorities who crack down on free speech and political dissidents through arrests and repressions.

“Armen Grigoryan was courageously and tirelessly fighting for our dignity, justice, homeland and statehood as well as the release of his brothers being held in captivity,” the alliance said.

It described him as a “bright and compelling” man.

“Armen Grigoryan was certainly one of the precious victims of our struggle for the homeland.

“We would like to offer our condolences to Armen Grigoryan's family and friends on his untimely and tragic death. His memory will remain bright in our hearts,” Hayastan said.