Samvel Karapetyan remains unlawfully detained – legal team

The legal team of prominent businessman and philanthropist Samvel Karapetyan issued a statement on Thursday condemning his detention as a case of “classic political persecution” unrelated to law or justice.

Karapetyan was arrested on June 18 on charges of making public calls for the seizure of power in Armenia dismissed by his lawyers as baseless. On August 15, the Anti-Corruption Court extended his detention for another two months without valid legal grounds, citing only the investigative body’s vague promises of further action.

The defense team notes that allegations of money laundering and economic crimes were dismissed due to a complete lack of evidence. Nevertheless, both the Anti-Corruption Court of Appeals and lower courts upheld the detention in a blatant violation of Karapetyan’s right to liberty.

According to the statement, Karapetyan’s June 17 remarks criticizing authorities for infringing on constitutional guarantees while defending the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin remain the sole reason for his continued detention, now exceeding 90 days. The defense stresses that no investigative measures have been taken since August 15 despite earlier assurances.

The legal team has filed cassation appeals and other motions, promising further updates, and reiterates that Karapetyan’s prosecution “has nothing to do with law and legality” but is instead a blatant act of political persecution.