Criminal charges brought against Armenian-Russian businessman Samvel  Karapetyan 

ArmInfo. Businessman and philanthropist Samvel Karapetyan is in the Investigative Committee, a criminal case has been initiated against him. This is reported by the  media.

On June 17, a search was conducted in Samvel Karapetyan's house after  he spoke out in defense of the Armenian Apostolic Church (AAC),  emphasizing that the Armenian Church was attacked by a group of  people who, having forgotten Armenian history, having forgotten the  thousand-year history of the Armenian churches, have now targeted the  AAC and the Armenian people. "I have always been close to the AAC and  the Armenian people. If the political forces in Armenia fail to cope  with this situation, we will have to intervene in the campaign  against the Church," Karapetyan summed up.

Following this, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan published harsh  statements on social networks. <This is not the village of Nizhniy  Tapir in Kaluga (Karapetyan started his business there in the 90s -  Ed.). This is the Republic of Armenia. I hope the taste of the state  will remain in your mouth>, - he wrote. Pashinyan threatened to  <brace the dissolute clergy> and their <dissolute benefactors>.

Then it was reported that security forces searched Karapetyan's  Yerevan mansion. According to media reports, about 45 people were  brought in.

At about 4 a.m., Samvel Karapetyan, Karen Karapetyan and Narek  Karapetyan left the house accompanied by law enforcement officers and  got into a police car. Addressing the people who had gathered near  the house as a sign of support, Samvel Karapetyan said that he  supported the Armenian Church and the people.  This morning, Samvel  Karapetyan's brother and nephew - Karen and Narek Karapetyan left the  building of the 6th Department of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of  Armenia.