Narek Karapetyan, coordinator of the “Our Way” movement, told reporters today that what’s happening demonstrates the authorities’ concerns.
Referring to the tax evasion and money laundering charges brought against Samvel Karapetyan, he noted that most companies undergo annual audits, including by one of the world’s four leading audit firms.
“If there were any problems, I’m sure they would know about it,” Karapetyan added.
He emphasized that a large-scale rally and march are planned for the end of the week to show the authorities that the wave of arrests and pressure is unstoppable.
When asked whether the “Our Way” movement might resort to street fighting, Narek Karapetyan responded that this stage will only come when all constitutional and legislative tools have been exhausted.
“When we see that our resources are exhausted, I’ve already said once that the streets of Yerevan will speak out,” he said.
Regarding Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan’s famous phrase, “The taste of the state will remain in your mouth,” Karapetyan responded:
“The taste of our state is very sweet, yes, the taste will remain in our mouths.”
As a reminder, the Anti-Corruption Court is currently considering extending the arrest of businessman Samvel Karapetyan. Thousands of citizens gathered outside the courthouse in support of Samvel Karapetyan.
On June 17, Samvel Karapetyan’s apartment was searched after he publicly expressed support for the Armenian Apostolic Church, criticizing the “actions of a small group,” which he claimed constituted an attack on the Armenian Church and the people.