Karapetyan’s arrest condemned in Italy and UK

PanARMENIAN.Net - The arrest of well-known businessman and philanthropist Samvel Karapetyan has drawn sharp criticism from Vito Comencini, former Italian MP, lawyer, and head of the Veneto People’s Association.

He described the case as a reflection of the destructive impact of the “color revolution” that brought the current authorities to power in Armenia, RIA Novosti reports.

“It is evident that this arrest is ideologically motivated and fueled by hatred towards Armenia’s deep Christian roots. This all reveals the true nature of the ‘poisoned fruit’ of the color revolution, which empowered those in Armenia who chose to sell out their nation’s sovereignty and, consequently, abandon the values that have defined this ancient people,” Comencini stated.

He expressed hope that following Karapetyan’s arrest, the Armenian people would take to the streets to assert their will and determination. He emphasized his expectation for a “display of dignity and steadfastness” from the citizens.

Karen Arevyan, chairman of the Armenian Community Council of the United Kingdom, also condemned the arrest, stating that Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan’s attacks against the Armenian Apostolic Church are politically motivated, and Karapetyan’s detention is a desperate attempt to continue a destructive course.

“The improper and damaging assault on the Armenian Apostolic Church is unacceptable, particularly given its clear political motives. The arrest of Samvel Karapetyan exemplifies this attack and reveals the desperate efforts of Pashinyan’s administration to maintain its ruinous policies,” Arevyan said.

On the night of June 18, Karapetyan left his Yerevan residence with law enforcement officers. He was later taken in for questioning at the Investigative Committee and in the evening was remanded in custody for two months on charges of making public calls aimed at usurping government authority.

Hours before his arrest, Karapetyan had voiced support for the Armenian Apostolic Church, saying: “I stand with our Church and our people. No matter how much they try to discredit us, I couldn’t care less about their power grid. Everything will be fine, the people will speak up, and they will realize their mistake.”

In response, Prime Minister Pashinyan posted: “Why have the immoral ‘clergy’ and their immoral ‘benefactors’ become so active? No problem—we will silence them again. Permanently.” He later added that the power grid must be nationalized immediately.