The Armenian Foreign Ministry sent a note to Russia over the statements on the case of Samvel Karapetyan

The Armenian Foreign Ministry has sent a note to Russia in connection with statements made by politicians and public figures in support of businessman and philanthropist Samvel Karapetyan. This was reported on June 18 by Armenia Today with reference to the Head of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Ararat Mirzoyan.

Mirzoyan criticized the statements made in the Russian media and by a number of Russian politicians. According to him, Russia allegedly made unacceptable calls and insults against the Armenian leadership.

The head of the Armenian Foreign Ministry called such statements interference in the internal affairs of Armenia and a threat to its sovereignty and democracy.

"We have informed our Russian colleagues about this. I believe the official statement should have already reached the addressee," Mirzoyan added.

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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.