Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has claimed that some people who leave Armenia, including members of criminal subcultures, declare themselves members of sexual minorities in European countries to obtain asylum.

“Criminal elements leave Armenia for Europe and claim that they are gay and face persecution in Armenia. Do you know why? To obtain the right to residency,” Pashinyan said, according to news.am.

The prime minister said that legislation on equality and the prohibition of discrimination is necessary, among other reasons, to prevent people from obtaining asylum in Europe based on what he described as false claims of persecution.

Pashinyan stressed that Armenia should align its legislation with European standards, although he noted that these standards vary from country to country.

He also recounted meeting an Armenian man who worked as a waiter at a hotel in Paris. Pashinyan said that the man said he had left Armenia because of his sexual orientation and felt unable to continue living in the country.