Russian MP Konstantin Zatulin has strongly condemned the arrest of businessman Samvel Karapetyan, calling it an outrageous act and a form of pressure on the Armenian diaspora. In an interview with Rusarminfo, Zatulin described Karapetyan as one of the most prominent figures in both Armenian business and the diaspora in Russia.

"Samvel Karapetyan is among the most effective representatives of Armenian business and the Armenian diaspora in Russia. I cannot imagine what he could have done for the Armenian authorities to decide to violate his liberty. He is not just an ordinary businessman; he has access to the Russian government and is deeply respected within the Armenian diaspora—not only in Russia," Zatulin stated on his Telegram channel.

He suggested the incident could be interpreted as an attempt to intimidate the diaspora. "If he is imprisoned, it will be nothing short of outrageous. I can only see this as the Armenian government trying to blackmail the Armenian diaspora in Russia—if not the Russian authorities themselves," he said.

Zatulin accused Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan of abusing his power:

"We all understand Mr. Pashinyan has overstepped all boundaries when it comes to abusing his position and authority. This is not just my opinion—anyone involved in politics here sees it that way."

He also criticized the government's stance on the Church: "The claim by Armenia’s secular authorities that they aim to oust the Catholicos is a direct intervention in the internal affairs of the Armenian Apostolic Church. Pashinyan has previously made anti-Christian and anti-Church remarks, including historical comments portraying the Church as a foreign agent since Byzantine times."

Zatulin denounced Pashinyan’s leadership: "This is coming from a man under whose rule Armenia has suffered its greatest losses since gaining independence in 1991. To my knowledge, he hasn't been baptized nor baptized his children, yet he feels entitled to judge the Church leader’s actions. This outrages many, not just Armenians, although it’s certainly a domestic matter."

Zatulin defended Karapetyan’s response to recent events:

"It’s entirely natural that Karapetyan spoke out. What did the Armenian authorities expect from those who still think rationally—especially when reflecting on the Church’s role in preserving Armenian identity throughout history?"

He further claimed that the government may be targeting Karapetyan’s assets: "I want to emphasize that the Armenian authorities are likely trying to confiscate Karapetyan’s assets. I know he owns businesses in Armenia. That’s probably what they’re after—so they can seize and divide them among themselves."

In the early hours of June 18, businessman Samvel Karapetyan left his Yerevan residence with law enforcement officers. He was later questioned by Armenia’s Investigative Committee and formally detained for two months that evening, accused of publicly calling for the seizure of government powers.

Just hours before his arrest, Karapetyan had expressed support for the Armenian Apostolic Church: "I stand with our Church, with our people. No matter how much they try to discredit it—no power grid matters to me. Everything will be fine. The people will speak, and they’ll realize their mistake."

In response, Pashinyan wrote: "Why have the promiscuous ‘clerics’ and their ‘promiscuous’ benefactors become so active? Never mind—we’ll silence them again. This time permanently." He later added that the Electric Networks of Armenia must be nationalized urgently.