U.S. Congressman denounces jailing of clergy, businessman

U.S. Congressman denounces jailing of clergy, businessman
September 19, 2025 - 12:49 AMT

PanARMENIAN.Net - U.S. Congressman Brad Sherman expressed concern over arrests in Armenia, warning against imprisonment for peaceful political engagement.

Commenting on the recent arrests of Armenian businessman Samvel Karapetyan and senior clergy members, U.S. Congressman Brad Sherman stated that "no one should be imprisoned for mere political activity." His remarks were published on Karapetyan’s Facebook page.

Sherman emphasized the importance of strong democratic institutions in Yerevan.

"Allegations have been brought against top-level clergy and a very prominent Armenian businessman. Let me say this: if there are such signs, no one should be jailed or stripped of their property for basic political engagement," he noted.

On June 18, Samvel Karapetyan was arrested for two months and transferred to Armavir penitentiary on charges of making a public call to seize government powers. A few hours earlier, he had expressed support for the Armenian Apostolic Church.

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