The criminal case against the leader of the Strong Armenia party, Russian Armenian businessman Samvel Karapetyan, started today at the Anti-Corruption Court of the Republic of Armenia RA).

At the hearing, Karapetyan answered the court's questions about his identity.

"I am an RA citizen, I also have a passport of Russia and Cyprus. Since we are confident in our victory [in the upcoming parliamentary election in Armenia], we have started the process of renouncing the RF [i.e. Russian Federation] and Cyprus citizenship," he said.

Karapetyan added that he has higher education, a doctorate in economics, is married, has three adult children, and there is no one under his care.

Also he noted his work: "I work as the chairman of the Strong Armenia party, I had a job—I was the chairman of the Tashir Group of companies."

Earlier, Armenian News-NEWS.am reported that after a ten-month investigation, the trial of Samvel Karapetyan was starting Wednesday under several Criminal Code articles, from legalization of criminal funds to public calls for seizing power.

Ahead of the first court hearing, the Karapetyan family's lawyers have filed a motion with the court to consider the matter of releasing Samvel Karapetyan from his current house arrest as a priority.

Attorney Aram Vardevanyan had stated earlier: "On April 21, the Strong Armenia party has convened a congress, and it is important that Samvel Karapetyan has the opportunity to fully participate in the political process before that congress. From the point of view of guarantees of competition, equality and the electoral process, this is an obvious necessity, we hope that this will be ensured, and we are sorry that this burden has fallen on the shoulders of the judiciary."

Also, the lawyer had reminded that the Central Electoral Commission of Armenia is already accepting applications from political forces, compiling lists, and this process will continue until April 23—ahead of the June 7 parliamentary election in Armenia.