Seventeen people were detained following a march held ahead of a court hearing in the case of Strong Armenia party leader, businessman and philanthropist Samvel Karapetyan, Armenia’s Interior Ministry police said, according to Sputnik Armenia.
During the march on the Tbilisi Highway, clashes broke out between Karapetyan’s supporters and police, involving pushing and scuffling. Law enforcement officers later demanded that participants leave the roadway and continue on the sidewalk.
“Seventeen individuals were detained and taken to community police units for committing an act предусмотренный Article 182 of the Code of Administrative Offenses,” the ministry said.
Samvel Karapetyan, who is under house arrest, was brought to court in a police vehicle. He was greeted in the courtyard by supporters with applause and chants of “Samvel,” Panorama.am reported.
Karapetyan did not answer journalists’ questions, saying he currently does not have the right to speak.
“If the court lifts the restriction, he will gladly respond,” his lawyer Aram Vardevanyan said.
The first hearing in Karapetyan’s criminal case took place on April 15. His defense lawyer described the case as clearly unlawful and politically motivated, arguing that it lacks reasonableness. According to him, the figures presented are inflated and the actions attributed to Karapetyan do not correspond to reality, while he has carried out significantly larger-scale charitable activities for Armenia and Artsakh.
The defense submitted a motion to lift Karapetyan’s house arrest, arguing that he is unable to participate in forming the electoral list of the Strong Armenia party, particularly ahead of its upcoming congress.
The court decided to consider this issue as a priority.
At the same time, prosecutor Argam Dallakyan requested an extension of Karapetyan’s house arrest for another three months.
The initial hearing on changing Karapetyan’s preventive measure was scheduled for April 15 but was postponed to April 17.
