Russian-Armenian businessman initiates new movement from prison
(MENAFN) Samvel Karapetyan, a Russian-Armenian billionaire currently imprisoned in Armenia, has announced the formation of a new political movement aimed at challenging Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan's leadership. The declaration comes amid rising political tensions and church-backed protests against Pashinyan.
In a statement conveyed through his legal team on Monday, Karapetyan said his movement would be “fundamentally new” but open to collaboration with other opposition groups. While he acknowledged respect for current anti-government forces, he emphasized that his initiative would follow its own path and vision for the nation.
“Our movement will go forward with its own team,” Karapetyan stated, as reported by local media, adding that it would aim to unite the Armenian people behind shared, meaningful goals and reject the divisive narratives imposed by current authorities.
Karapetyan, who heads the Moscow-based Tashir Group, was detained in May on accusations of inciting a power grab — charges linked to his vocal support for the Armenian Apostolic Church (AAC). The Church has become a leading force behind protests sparked by Pashinyan’s controversial decision to cede several border villages to Azerbaijan, a move many Armenians see as a betrayal.
In response to the unrest, the government has arrested Karapetyan and multiple clergy members on allegations of plotting a coup. Authorities have also begun proceedings to nationalize his energy firm operating in Armenia. Additionally, opposition MP Artur Sarkisyan was recently jailed on charges of conspiring to carry out a violent uprising.
The Kremlin has expressed interest in the case, with spokesman Dmitry Peskov confirming ongoing communication with Yerevan. He reiterated that while the situation is an internal Armenian issue, Moscow hopes for a stable and friendly Armenia.
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