Karapetyan's press service called the charges against him an attempt to pressure

The charges brought against businessman Samvel Karapetyan in Armenia are an obvious attempt to exert pressure. This was announced on Wednesday, June 18, by the businessman's press service.

"Attempts to present his civic position as a threat to the state system are an obvious attempt to intimidate and suppress dissent," Sputnik Armenia quoted Karapetyan's press service as saying.

It is clarified that Karapetyan has always advocated and continues to advocate for the interests of the Armenian people, the Armenian Apostolic Church (ACC) and national values.

The message notes that the businessman's words and actions are aimed solely at the peaceful defense of citizens' rights and freedom of religion. The press service recalled that Karapetyan is an honored entrepreneur, philanthropist, winner of numerous state and public awards.

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On June 17, it was reported that Karapetyan was being tried to be detained for speaking out in support of the Armenian Apostolic Church. It was clarified that the Interior Ministry officers arrived at Karapetyan's house immediately after he made a statement in defense of the Armenian Apostolic Church.

Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said on the same day that Russia would provide assistance to Karapetyan, whose house was being searched amid his support for the Armenian Apostolic Church (AAC). According to her, the Russian side will "provide him with the necessary assistance so that all his legitimate rights are respected."

Later, Armen Feroyan, Karapetyan's lawyer, told Izvestia that his client had been charged with publicly calling for the seizure of power in Armenia.