Armenians march to support imprisoned Russian-Armenian businessman

(MENAFN) In the city of Vagharshapat, thousands gathered to protest the detention of Russian-Armenian businessman Samvel Karapetyan and to show support for the Armenian Apostolic Church (AAC), centered around the historic Etchmiadzin Cathedral.

Recently, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has openly criticized the church, accusing it of corruption and various violations. He also called on Catholicos Garegin II, the head of the Armenian Apostolic Church, to resign, alleging a breach of his vow of celibacy. The church has strongly denied these claims, accusing Pashinyan of acting under pressure from “Armenophobic” foreign influences.

At Sunday’s demonstration, many participants carried images of Karapetyan, who was arrested in Yerevan earlier in the week after expressing support for the church. Protesters chanted slogans demanding “Freedom to political prisoners Karapetyan.”

Karapetyan faces charges of calling for the overthrow of the Armenian government. He had warned that if political leaders failed to protect the church, supporters would act independently to defend it.

The march culminated at the Etchmiadzin Cathedral, where Garegin II addressed the crowd. He warned that the campaign against the Armenian Apostolic Church threatens “national unity and stability” and called on Armenians to unite against efforts to divide society.

Garegin II also condemned Karapetyan’s arrest as illegal, stating, “Hatred and strife cannot give birth to virtue. One cannot build a home through repression.”

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