Narek Spartakyan, former honorary consul of Armenia in Yekaterinburg, publicly confirmed that he was dismissed from his position for expressing support for businessman and philanthropist Samvel Karapetyan. Speaking outside the Anti-Corruption Court on October 14, Spartakyan said he was told to either stay silent or resign.
“I served from 2018 until last year. I don’t work with Armenia’s Foreign Ministry directly but through the Russian Embassy,” Spartakyan said. “One or two days after Samvel Karapetyan’s arrest, the Russian embassy called me and asked if that was really my position. I said yes, and they confirmed that was the reason. I don’t even post much on social media, just two posts and a visit to Etchmiadzi, but that was enough.”
Spartakyan claimed that many diplomats share his view on Karapetyan’s arrest but are afraid to speak out.
“Everyone I talked to in the diplomatic corps told me they think the same, but they’re afraid. I’ve lost my post, but I’m happier now. Nothing has changed. A great benefactor is on trial in this building. I ask our compatriots to join and demand freedom for Samvel Karapetyan,” he said.
On October 14 at 6:00 p.m., the Anti-Corruption Court held a hearing on the Investigative Committee’s motion to extend Karapetyan’s detention by another two months. The session lasted 8 hours and will resume on October 15 at 3:00 p.m. Numerous supporters gathered outside the court to show solidarity with Karapetyan.
