Samvel Karapetyan's supporters rally in Yerevan demanding his release

Supporters and teammates of Armenian businessman and philanthropist Samvel Karapetyan gathered outside the government building in Yerevan on Friday, calling for his release and denouncing his politically motivated prosecution.

Participants affiliated with the Strong Armenia Party, which has nominated Karapetyan as its candidate for prime minister, staged a flash mob near the government headquarters, chanting “Freedom for Samvel Karapetyan” and “Freedom for the Republic of Armenia”. Protesters held posters reading “Armenia is strong with Samvel Karapetyan” and “Freedom for Samvel Karapetyan”.

Protesters called on the Armenian government to end “telephone justice” and unlawful actions, urging the authorities to ensure that "there are no political prisoners in Armenia".

Earlier in the day, large banners reading “Freedom for Samvel Karapetyan, Freedom for Armenia” were displayed across the capital.

A court hearing scheduled for Friday will consider whether to extend Karapetyan’s detention. The businessman has been under house arrest since January 19.

Supporters also plan to gather outside the courthouse in Yerevan later in the day.