Russian-Armenian oligarch pledges defiance from detention center

Russian-Armenian billionaire Samvel Karapetyan has affirmed from detention that he and his associates will continue to defend "their values and sacred sites."

Karapetyan reportedly told supporters in a Facebook post that neither deprivation nor imprisonment could break "the will of political prisoners, including Mikael, Bagrat, and Mkrtich Srbazan, as well as dozens of residents of Gyumri, including Ruben Mkhitaryan of the 'In Our Own Way' movement, and other like-minded individuals," Caliber.Az reoports per Armenian media. 

Karapetyan, who has been held at the Armenian National Security Service detention center since June 18, 2025, emphasised that "hardships would not deter their pursuit of victory."

The remarks come amid heightened tensions in Gyumri following law enforcement actions on October 20. Officers conducted searches at the Gyumri mayor’s office, resulting in the detention of Mayor Ghukasyan and seven others on bribery charges.

Supporters of the mayor gathered outside the building in protest, prompting the deployment of “Red Berets” units. During the ensuing hours-long standoff, verbal confrontations and scuffles were reported before the mayor was eventually escorted through a service entrance and formally arrested the following day for two months.

Earlier reports indicated that 33 people were detained in connection with “mass riots” following clashes near Gyumri City Hall.

Karapetyan was initially arrested over alleged calls for the seizure of power, additional economic charges, including money laundering and tax evasion, have since been added, and his detention has been repeatedly extended.

By Sabina Mammadli