The defense council for businessman Samvel Karapetyan, who has been detained for two months, expressed gratitude to participants of a rally and march held in his support, emphasizing that attendees “proved to everyone that the Armenian people stand up for their rights and future.”

“The defense council of Samvel Karapetyan thanks everyone who joined today’s march—public and political figures, representatives from the arts and sports sectors, public servants and entrepreneurs, and, of course, all Armenian citizens, including those who followed our gathering online and via the media.

Together, we achieved something important today: we showed everyone that the Armenian people are committed to their rights, their future, their traditions, and sacred values. Samvel Karapetyan must be released from unlawful detention. We must form a principled and powerful new force to collectively address the challenges facing our homeland.

Those who destroy have no future in Armenia; the future belongs to the builders,” the statement said.

The Union of Informed Citizens estimated attendance at the July 4 rally:

The organization conducted an aerial headcount, revealing that as of 19:03, around 7,510 people were present in the designated park and nearby areas. The count also included individuals under trees, according to their report.

The Union added that the number was determined using individual counting methods based on aerial imagery analysis.

On the evening of July 4 at 18:00, a rally was held in a park near the Seasons café in Yerevan in support of Russian-Armenian businessman Samvel Karapetyan, currently under arrest.