Anahit Asatryan, Vice President of the Armenian National Union of Sweden, stated that the ongoing prosecution of prominent businessman and philanthropist Samvel Karapetyan is unacceptable, emphasizing that such actions harm pan-Armenian unity.
“It is unacceptable to persecute Samvel Karapetyan. He has made immense contributions to the development of both Artsakh and Armenia. His support for humanitarian and infrastructure projects, the aid provided in difficult times, and his unwavering dedication to Armenian national values deserve respect, not criminal charges,” Asatryan stated, as reported by Sputnik Armenia citing RIA Novosti.
According to Asatryan, the authorities’ conduct has eroded public trust in state institutions.
On June 17, Karapetyan’s home was searched after he publicly voiced support for the Armenian Apostolic Church. At the time, Karapetyan remarked that certain small groups, having forgotten the national past and the centuries-old history of the Church, had targeted both the Church and the Armenian nation.
Following this, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan made offensive and threatening posts on social media directed at Karapetyan. Later, the Investigative Committee announced that a criminal case had been launched under Article 422, Part 2 of Armenia’s Criminal Code, alleging that Karapetyan had publicly called for the unlawful seizure of state power during a media interview.
On June 18, Samvel Karapetyan was arrested for two months. His legal team insists the charges are unfounded and considers the detention unlawful.
