Appeals court sends Karapetian back to prison

(Horizon Weekly) – Samvel Karapetian, a billionaire businessman and emerging opposition figure ahead of Armenia’s 2026 parliamentary elections, has been returned to detention after an appeals court overturned a lower court decision placing him under house arrest.

The reversal annuls a December 30 ruling by a Yerevan court that had allowed Karapetian to leave prison under strict conditions, including a multibillion-dram bail and a prohibition on political activity. Prosecutors challenged the decision, and the Court of Appeals ruled in their favor.

The ruling was issued while Karapetian, 60, was hospitalized. His lawyers say he is receiving treatment for pneumonia following a coronavirus infection, which they attribute to poor prison conditions. The defense has accused prison authorities of failing to provide adequate heating and timely medical care.

Karapetian was arrested in June after publicly opposing Prime Minister Nikol Pashinian’s efforts to remove senior clergy of the Armenian Apostolic Church and pledging to defend the Church. His remarks triggered a sharp public response from the prime minister, followed shortly by his detention.

Authorities accuse Karapetian of inciting violent action against the state. Additional charges related to financial crimes were filed weeks later, after he announced plans to form a new political movement.

The movement, launched in August under the name Mer Dzevov (In Our Way), is expected to challenge the ruling Civil Contract party in elections scheduled for June 2026. In a statement issued from detention in November, Karapetian said the movement aims to end the country’s current system of rule.

Karapetian, who built a business empire valued at over $4 billion, is known for funding major charitable projects and maintaining close ties to the Armenian Apostolic Church. While some government figures have alleged foreign influence, Russia has largely stayed silent, aside from expressing concern last month over his continued detention.