After a ten-month investigation, the trial of Russian Armenian businessman and leader of the Strong Armenia party, Samvel Karapetyan, is 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.