The Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that the issue of detained businessman Samvel Karapetyan is consistently raised in contacts with Armenian officials. Mikhail Kalugin, Director of the Fourth CIS Department, said that Russian embassy staff in Yerevan have access to him.

“Through our embassy in Yerevan, we have ensured consular access. The last visit by our diplomats took place in early December.

We receive all necessary health updates about Karapetyan, including via lawyers and family members. He reports being in satisfactory health, is optimistic, and remains in good spirits,” Kalugin told RIA Novosti.

He noted that Russian officials continue to emphasize in discussions with Armenian counterparts that Karapetyan has been in detention for six months without a court decision.

Karapetyan has made major financial investments in Armenia’s development for many years. His Tashir Charitable Foundation focuses on preserving and restoring historical heritage, renovating religious sites, and advancing healthcare and medicine.

Samvel Karapetyan, head of the Tashir Group, was charged and detained in Armenia after publicly expressing support for the Armenian Apostolic Church amid criticism of the authorities. In his public remarks, Karapetyan denied any wrongdoing and criticized the current Armenian government.