Armenians disagree on arrest of Russian businessman
(MENAFN) Thousands gathered in Vagharshapat on Sunday to protest the arrest of Russian-Armenian businessman Samvel Karapetyan and to show support for the Armenian Apostolic Church (AAC). The city is home to Etchmiadzin Cathedral, the most significant religious site in the country.
The demonstration comes amid growing tensions between Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and the church. In recent weeks, Pashinyan has accused the AAC of corruption and other wrongdoings, and has publicly called on its leader, Catholicos Garegin II, to resign over alleged violations of his vow of celibacy. The church has rejected these claims, suggesting Pashinyan is advancing the agenda of foreign “Armenophobic” forces.
Protesters carried images of Karapetyan, who was detained on Tuesday after expressing his backing for the church. He faces charges of calling for the government’s overthrow after warning that “if the politicians fail, we will intervene in the campaign against the church in our own way.” Demonstrators chanted slogans demanding his release, labeling him a political prisoner.
The march concluded at Etchmiadzin Cathedral, where Garegin II addressed the crowd. He warned that the campaign against the AAC threatened Armenia’s unity and stability and urged citizens to resist efforts to divide the nation. The Catholicos also denounced Karapetyan’s detention as unlawful, declaring that “hatred and repression cannot lead to virtue or build a peaceful future.”
Despite a heavy police presence, the protest remained peaceful, with no reports of violence or arrests.
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