The Russian side raises the issue of businessman Samvel Karapetyan’s detention in official contacts with the Armenian side. This was stated to RIA Novosti by Mikhail Kalugin, Director of the Fourth CIS Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Russia.

“Through the Russian embassy in Yerevan, we have reached the opportunity for a consular visit to him. Our diplomats’ latest visit [to him] took place in early December,” Kalugin said.

“We receive all necessary information regarding Karapetyan’s condition, including through his lawyers and relatives. He reports satisfactory health and shows optimism and a fighting spirit,” he added.

“We raise the issue in contacts with the [Armenian] republic’s official representatives. We emphasize that Karapetyan has already been in detention for six months without a court decision,” the Russian diplomat concluded.

Samvel Karapetyan, owner of the Tashir Group, has been charged and detained in Armenia after the Russian Armenian businessman and philanthropist announced support for the Armenian Apostolic Church amid attacks against it from the incumbent Armenian authorities. Karapetyan himself did not admit guilt and called the Armenian leadership ineffective. His position in support of the Armenian Apostolic Church caused displeasure from Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, who made several posts on Facebook insulting the Armenian Apostolic Church’s clergy and benefactors.

Samvel Karapetyan invests significant resources in Armenia’s development. The main directions of his Tashir Foundation’s charitable activities are the preservation and restoration of historical heritage, reconstruction of churches and temples, and the development of healthcare and medicine. In addition, part of the funds is directed to supporting mass and youth sports, the development of culture and arts, implementation of social programs, and assistance to those in need, including low-income families and persons with disabilities. Also, Tashir Foundation constructs and renovates educational institutions and implements educational programs.