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Arrested opposition politician Armen Ashotyan voiced concerns over the investigation into the criminal case against him and his measure of restraint at a meeting with the Armenian ombudsperson’s staff, Human Rights Defender Anahit Manasyan said on Thursday.

Ashotyan, deputy head of the Republican Party of Armenia (RPA), was arrested on 16 June on charges of abuse of power and money laundering strongly denied by him as politically motivated.

Speaking to reporters, the ombudswoman said the politician did not express any complaints about the detention conditions.

“We have submitted letters to competent authorities regarding the issues raised by him and will decide on the further actions of the HRD office after receiving the responses,” Manasyan noted.

Asked whether she considers Armen Ashotyan’s indictment as political persecution, the ombudsperson said: "In order to be called a political prisoner, a person, apart from engaging in politics and being an opposition member, must be prosecuted exclusively for his political activities.”