Russian Billionaire Arrested on Charges of Calling to Seize Power in Armenia

A Yerevan court has arrested Russian businessman, billionaire, and head of the Tashir Group of Companies Samvel Karapetyan for two months. He is accused of publicly calling for the seizure of power in Armenia.

After the measure of restraint was imposed, lawyer Ruben Hakobyan read out Karapetyan's message to supporters gathered outside the court: "It is impossible to lead me astray and force me to abandon my principles. The court has proven its lack of independence. Nevertheless, nothing can break me, and I remain close to the Armenian people and the Armenian Church."

Karapetyan's arrest occurred after the escalation of the conflict between Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and the Armenian Apostolic Church. The businessman came to Armenia and publicly stood up for Catholicos Garegin II. Earlier, Pashinyan accused him of violating his vow of celibacy, and the clergy of criticizing the government on instructions from Russia.

In addition, the Armenian prime minister said that he had set one month for compensation for damage to citizens from the Electric Networks enterprise, which Karapetyan owns, due to power outages. Otherwise, this company will be transferred to the ownership of Armenia. Pashinyan stressed that the nationalization process will be carried out quickly.

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