Armenian-Russian businessman Samvel Karapetyan taken into custody 

ArmInfo.The Yerevan Court of General Jurisdiction has decided to arrest Samvel Karapetyan, a  Russian businessman of Armenian origin and head of the Tashir Group of Companies, for two months. The businessman's defense team informed journalists about the court's verdict.

The lawyers called the court's decision illegal and emphasized that  they would appeal the verdict. They also noted that the court made  this decision without having a single compelling argument in favor of  this measure.

The lawyers also read out Karapetyan's message to the citizens  gathered outside the courthouse.

"Dear compatriots,

I express my deep gratitude for the fact that these days you are next  to me and my family and support us.  Unfortunately, the court has  become a clear example for our people, living with hope for the law  and the rule of law. It has proven that it is still not capable of  acting independently, in the name of justice and without instructions  from above. During my life, along with successes, I have also  encountered many difficulties, but I have never betrayed my soul,"  the businessman's message says.

He also noted that illegal arrest and fabricated charges will not  break him or distract him from his chosen principles. "I will always  be with my people, with the Holy Armenian Apostolic Church, I have  not and will not spare my strength and energy for the sake of  improving the life of the Motherland and the Armenians, for the sake  of building a prosperous and safe future. We are not those who  divide, but those who unite the people. Be strong - our victory has  no alternative. Forward with God. Thank you for your support," the  businessman added.

The Holy See of Etchmiadzin has already responded to the court's  verdict.

"It has just become known that the Yerevan City Criminal Court of  General Jurisdiction, clearly yielding to open pressure from the  government, has decided to detain the national benefactor Mr. Samvel  Karapetyan.  The persecution of Mr. Samvel Karapetyan is another  manifestation of the Prime Minister's anti-church actions aimed at  depriving the Armenian Church of the support of its faithful flock  through the use of fear and threats.

Strongly condemning this shameful behavior, we regard it as a blow to  the reputation and authority of both the Republic of Armenia and the  Armenian Church.  We express our full support to Mr. Samvel  Karapetyan and the Karapetyan family, asking the Lord for help and  protection for them," Echmiadzin emphasized.

We remind you that Samvel Karapetyan was detained on the night of  January 18 in Yerevan by Armenian law enforcement agencies after he  expressed support for the Armenian Apostolic Church. This was  followed by open threats from the Prime Minister. He is accused of  publicly calling for the seizure of power in the country. Karapetyan  does not admit guilt.