Human rights lawyer Yeritsyan called the charges against Karapetyan absurd.

The charges brought against businessman Samvel Karapetyan in Armenia are absurd. Roman Yeritsyan, a human rights lawyer, told Izvestia on Wednesday, June 18.

"Absurd charges have been brought against Samvel Karapetyan. As a human rights defender, I can say that he has been charged...> moderate charges, which, as practice shows, do not entail such a preventive measure as arrest," Yeritsyan said.

The lawyer also stated that Karapetyan's words about the support of the Armenian Apostolic Church (AAC) and the people should not bring charges against the businessman.

"Accusing a person of wanting to seize power is wrong...> just because he said that he would fight for the rights of the citizens of Armenia, for our faith, is absurd," Yeritsyan added.

The cult of duplicity: what is known about the detention of businessman Karapetyan in Armenia

Prime Minister Pashinyan called the businessman a scoundrel and wanted to nationalize his assets.

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.