Defense seeks urgent court review of Samvel Karapetyan's house arrest

Lawyers for businessman and philanthropist Samvel Karapetyan, who is currently under house arrest, have asked the Armenian Anti-Corruption Court to urgently review his measure of restraint, arguing that his participation in an upcoming political congress is essential ahead of the June parliamentary elections.

The first hearing in Karapetyan’s criminal case is scheduled for Wednesday at 10:30 a.m. Attorney Aram Vardevanyan told reporters the case is “blatantly unlawful” and politically motivated.

He said the defense has filed a motion requesting the presiding judge to prioritize consideration of the detention issue, citing the proximity of key political events and electoral developments.

Vardevanyan stressed that Karapetyan’s presence is necessary at the April 21 congress of the Strong Armenia party, which he leads, calling his involvement central to the party’s electoral preparations.

He also criticized remarks by prosecutor Argam Dallakyan, alleging his statements were misrepresented in media coverage.