The ex-president of Armenia pointed to the elements of reprisals in the persecution of Karapetyan

On August 1, former Armenian President Robert Kocharian called the processes related to businessman Samvel Karapetyan a "stupid attack."

According to Kocharyan, what is happening translates ingratitude to the philanthropist, who has been sponsoring many projects in Armenia for a long time, while foreign investors have reduced their presence in the republic.

"At a time when foreign investment in Armenia has declined, attacking a major investor is just nonsense. <...> What is happening [is] just a massacre," he said in an interview with 5 TV Channel, a recording of which was posted on the channel's YouTube channel.

The former president noted Karapetyan's contribution to the privatization of Armenia's Electric Grids, which were in a "shameful state" due to the former manager who accumulated large debts.

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Karapetyan was detained on June 18 in his own home after publicly speaking out against attacks on the Armenian Apostolic Church. On July 16, the businessman's Defense Council reported on the charges of alleged money laundering against its client. On the same day, Edmond Marukyan, an Armenian politician and founder of the Enlightened Armenia party, pointed out in an interview with Izvestia that the authorities were trying to delay Karapetyan's arrest.

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