Court hearing for Samvel Karapetyan begins in Yerevan

ArmInfo. On April 15, the first court hearing for Samvel Karapetyan, chairman of the Strong Armenia party and Russian businessman of Armenian descent, began in Yerevan.

A large police presence has been deployed outside the courthouse.  Supporters of Samvel Karapetyan are also gathering outside the  Anti-Corruption Court of Armenia in Yerevan. At today's hearing,  Karapetyan's defense will, as a matter of priority, petition to  change his pretrial detention.

Samvel Karapetyan's case is being heard by Judge Vahe Dolmazyan,  known for numerous high-profile cases. Karapetyan's court hearing  will not be broadcast live or recorded. The judge made this decision  based on a motion filed by Karapetyan's lawyers. As a reminder, on  March 27, the Investigative Committee of Armenia announced the  completion of the criminal investigation into the businessman,  charged with tax evasion, money laundering, and large-scale  embezzlement. He is also accused of inciting the seizure of power.  The businessman was arrested in June 2025 after making statements in  defense of the Armenian Church. Last December, Samvel Karapetyan's  pretrial detention was changed to house arrest.