This is a return to Stalin: Robert Amsterdam

ArmInfo.This is a return to Stalin, a return to show trials. This viewpoint was expressed by  renowned lawyer and international human rights defender Robert Amsterdam, which he stated on August 14 in a conversation with  journalists in the courtyard of the Anti-Corruption Court, where the  investigation's petition to extend Karapetyan's arrest is being  considered.  "Today in Armenia we are witnessing history. The  government, diverting attention from its mistakes, diverting  attention from its blunders, attacks the church, Jesus Christ and  this innocent man. Today is a shameful day for Armenia.

This is not how you welcome the 21st century, this is not how you  welcome the era of artificial intelligence. This is a return to  Stalin, this is a return to show trials. I am a person who has seen  more show trials than any of you. "This is a show trial," the lawyer  said.  When asked if it was possible that businessman Samvel  Karapetyan would be released from custody, he replied: "Look, it  depends on how desperately the government is trying to distract  attention from its actions.  This is all about distraction. This has  nothing to do with Mr. Karapetyan's behavior. It is directly related  to the political needs of this government. This is provoking a crisis  in the church, provoking a crisis with Mr.  Karapetyan. Why attack  the church of Armenia? On what basis are the children of Jesus Christ  being attacked in a country where 93% are followers of the church? "  According to him, the first thing he will do is wait for the court's  decision to be made public this evening, and then plans will be made  regarding what can be done both in Armenia and, of course, abroad.  "  Mr. Karapetyan has excellent lawyers in Armenia. I have met with them  many times. They are an amazing group of people. I trust them  completely, as do the Karapetyan family. And it would be an honor for  me to work with them in international cases. I hope to join the legal  team at the next hearing. The excuses for not letting me attend  today's hearing are not clear, " he said.