“This is the shame of our country”: Farmanyan on the arrest of Samvel Karapetyan (Video)

Simultaneous protests are underway in Yerevan under the slogan “Freedom for Samvel Karapetyan, Freedom for Armenia.”

At present, citizens and representatives of political parties have gathered in front of the government, the Prosecutor General’s Office, and the Investigative Committee buildings to voice their opposition to the possible extension of businessman Samvel Karapetyan’s detention.

Speaking to reporters during the protest, economist and member of the Strong Armenia Party, Hayk Farmanyan, said the country’s internal problems are seriously harming state interests.

“Internal problems cause far greater damage to our country than external phenomena – or at least are on the same level. Our first priority should be ensuring that no one is unjustly detained. Detention has turned into a tool of punishment. In many countries, a national benefactor like Samvel Karapetyan would be celebrated, and every effort would be made to keep their investments in the country. Here, however, he has been detained,” Farmanyan said.

He added that Karapetyan has been in unjust detention for approximately nine months, calling it “a disgrace to the country.” The economist also warned that the current situation is harming Armenia’s investment climate, describing it as akin to “a malignant tumor.”