Strong Armenia: There must be a judge who will put an end to all  these lawlessness

ArmInfo.The Armenian Court of Appeals has begun hearings to review the pretrial detention measure for Samvel Karapetyan,  businessman, and philanthropist and the leader of the "Strong Armenia" party. A massive gathering of citizens and law enforcement met outside the court this morning. 

In an interview with journalists, Gohar Ghumashyan, a representative  of the "In Our Way" party and movement, noted that supporters have  launched spontaneous demonstrations across the capital, with "Freedom  for Samvel Karapetyan" banners appearing on windows throughout the  city. "The time has come for the country to have a new leader who  will quide it toward a strong Armenia. Today, at 11:00 a.m., a court  hearing began to consider extending the businessman's pretrial  detention, and there is hope that justice will prevail and  ultimately, Samvel Karapetyan will be released," Gohar Ghumashyan  emphasized.

In response to a question about concerns that the party, like its  leader, might be barred from the elections, the party representative  noted that, as things stand, everything is proceeding naturally, and  all processes are being implemented gradually. "We understand  perfectly well that there are judges who cannot go against the  government's will and make a fair decision, but after each such  trial, our hope grows even stronger.  Ultimately, there must be a  judge who will put an end to all these lawless acts," Gohar  Ghumashyan emphasized, pointing out that the persecution of Samvel  Karapetyan has been ongoing for nine months, seven of which he spent  in custody. She noted that while the authorities will be eager to  prevent the party from participating in the elections, "Strong  Armenia" is not taking any steps that could lead to its ban from the  electoral process. "Our lawyers are strictly following all the rules  to ensure there are no violations, and we will be represented with  dignity in the June 7 elections," Gohar Ghumashyan said.