Robert Amsterdam: Armenian Government Using ‘Stalin-Era Tactics’ to Silence Church Supporters

International lawyer Robert Amsterdam criticized the Armenian government on Wednesday, calling the detention of businessman Samvel Karapetyan politically motivated and an attempt to distract the public from the government’s failures.

Speaking to reporters in the courtyard of the Anti-Corruption Court in Yerevan, Amsterdam, described the case as a “show trial” and compared it to political prosecutions of the past. Amsterdam said that Armenia was witnessing a historic moment, but a shameful one. He accused the government of trying to cover up its mistakes and failures by targeting the Church, the Christian faith, and an innocent man.

Amsterdam said such actions are a step backward. “This is not the way to greet the 21st century; this is not the way to welcome the era of artificial intelligence. This is a return to Stalin, a return to show trials. I am someone who has seen more show trials than any of you. This is a show trial,” he stated.

When asked by The Armenian Report in an interview about when Karapetyan might be released from custody, Amsterdam replied that it depends on how desperately the government is trying to keep him detained.

He also told us, “The whole point is to divert attention. This has nothing to do with Mr. Karapetyan’s conduct. It is entirely connected to the political needs of this government.”

Amsterdam further said, “This is about provoking a crisis in the Church, provoking a crisis around Mr. Karapetyan. Why attack the Church of Armenia? On what basis are they attacking the children of Jesus Christ in a country where 93% are followers of the Church?”

Amsterdam said he would first wait for the court’s decision later in the evening before deciding on the next steps. He noted that any future actions would be taken both in Armenia and internationally. 

The lawyer also said Karapetyan’s arrest raises big questions about Armenia. He said putting such a successful businessman in jail says a lot about the government.

In June 2025, Prime Minister Pashinyan clashed with the head of the Armenian Church, accusing him of breaking his vows, which angered many church followers. Karapetyan, a strong supporter of the Church, spoke out in its defense and warned that a small group had forgotten Armenia’s Christian heritage.

Days later, authorities raided Karapetyan’s home and arrested him on charges of calling for an unlawful seizure of power. On the same day, the government nationalized the Electric Networks of Armenia, a company linked to Karapetyan.

Karapetyan’s family filed an international investment dispute under the Armenia–Cyprus treaty, calling the actions politically motivated and unlawful. In July, they won an urgent arbitration ruling at the Stockholm Chamber of Commerce supporting their case.

Karapetyan remains in custody as legal battles continue. His lawyer, Robert Amsterdam, said he would wait for the court’s decision before taking further action. 

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