Armenian police have arrested 252 protesters in Yerevan after National Security Service (HAAT) officers searched the home and office of an opposition leader over alleged economic crimes.

Mass gatherings are currently banned in Armenia due to a state of emergency imposed over the coronavirus.

The arrests took place after clashes between police and protesters outside HAAT headquarters after its officers conducted the searches as part of a criminal investigation of the Prosperous Armenia party’s leader.

According to HAAT, they searched the home of opposition politician Gagik Tsarukian and offices of his Prosperous Armenia Party (BHK) as part of an investigation into “financial crimes”. BHK is the largest opposition party.

Hundreds of supporters of Tsarukian gathered outside the HAAT’s headquarters, shouting, “Pashinian, step down!”.