Kremlin closely monitoring situation surrounding Samvel Karapetyan’s arrest

The Kremlin is closely monitoring the situation surrounding the arrest of Samvel Karapetyan in Armenia, Russian presidential spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said on Friday.

“For us, he is a Russian citizen. While we do not interfere in Armenia’s internal affairs, we are closely monitoring any matters involving our compatriots,” Peskov emphasized.

Karapetyan, the founder of the Tashir Group, was detained in Yerevan on charges of publicly calling for the seizure of power. He denies the accusations and insists on his innocence.

Peskov also expressed regret over Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan’s decision not to attend the upcoming Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) summit in Minsk in person, noting that he will participate online instead.

He reaffirmed that Armenia remains an important member of the EAEU.