Pashinyan’s statement was a way to prevent mass rallies of Samvel Karapetyan’s supporters – Sevak Hakobyan

The Armenian authorities are using classic socio-psychological tools, expecting public opposition, Sevak Hakobyan, editor-in-chief of the Lebanese Zartonk daily, stated in an interview with Alpha News, commenting on the arrest of philanthropist and businessman Samvel Karapetyan and the situation around the Armenian Apostolic Church.

According to Hakobyan, the authorities must be made to understand there is a “fine line” in both political and national affairs and that the Church is carrying out its national mission.

Speaking about the actions of the Armenian authorities against the Tashir Group of Companies, Hakobyan noted that this is a clear example of classic persecution: “I believe that this is a clear example of fear and classic persecution. In addition, this was an attempt to prevent a possible mass rally on July 4.”