(MENAFN) Thousands of demonstrators marched through Yerevan on Friday, demanding the release of Russian-Armenian businessman and opposition figure Samvel Karapetyan. Karapetyan, a major supporter of Armenia’s political opposition and the Armenian Apostolic Church (AAC), was detained last month on charges of inciting a coup — allegations he denies.

The protest, fully authorized by local authorities, was organized by the Council for the Defense of Samvel Karapetyan. In a statement on Facebook, the group praised the turnout, declaring that Armenians had shown they remain the rightful masters of their future and called for Karapetyan’s immediate release from what they described as “unlawful detention.”

Footage from Ruptly captured large crowds wearing white caps and T-shirts, with many carrying Armenian flags as they marched through the capital. Photos from Armenia Today showed heavy police presence outside the building of the country’s domestic security agency as demonstrators approached.

Some AAC clerics joined the rally, marching and praying alongside protestors.

Karapetyan was arrested in June after publicly siding with the AAC in its confrontation with Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan’s government. The church has led opposition efforts against Pashinyan’s decision to cede several contested border villages to Azerbaijan — a move many Armenians view as a betrayal of the country’s interests.

In response, authorities have detained two senior AAC clerics and moved to nationalize Karapetyan’s energy company.

The Kremlin has indicated it would assist Karapetyan if needed, as he holds Russian citizenship. However, Moscow has stressed that it regards the protests as Armenia’s internal matter.

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