Such Attitudes Are Unfair and Uncivilized: Former Prime Minister of Armenia

The treatment towards Samuel Karapetyan is neither fair nor, as the popular saying goes, civil.

“Samuel Karapetyan is my friend and relative; therefore, I do not exclude that what I say about him and the events surrounding him in the Republic of Armenia these days might be perceived as subjective and emotional. For this reason, I will try to frame my statements as objectively and factually as possible.

Samuel Karapetyan has never been part of any government, nor has he occupied any position during any rule; his financial capabilities and wealth were not formed in Armenia. He has launched unprecedented and large-scale charitable work in Armenia and Artsakh without conditioning it on who the current authorities are or his attitude towards those authorities.

All Armenian benefactors, including Samuel Karapetyan, regard the Republic of Armenia as their own home, a hearth, from which they expect fair treatment in accordance with their conduct towards their homeland.

Every individual in the Republic of Armenia has the right to form and express their opinions on various issues, which might not align with or please others, regardless of who that person is or what position they hold.

In the Armenian diaspora, Samuel Karapetyan has a unique role not only because of his charitable contributions or financial assistance but because he has always tried to help our compatriots in his way, including providing advice, reconciling, supporting, and smoothing sharp edges when needed.

Mr. Karapetyan has the right to have his views on our church, to express his stance and opinions regarding recent events around the church, and to participate, in his capacity and manner, in the discussions, solutions, and resolutions regarding these issues.

The interpretation of Mr. Karapetyan's words that forms the basis of the ongoing criminal process against him is at least debatable, considering the many ways and methods that could have come under those words. I believe the treatment towards him is unjust and also, as the popular saying goes, uncivilized. Everyone has a role in the atmosphere created in Armenia—hatred, intolerance, rejection of contrasting opinions, etc.—especially the current authorities, as their opportunities in this regard are the broadest,” stated former Prime Minister Karen Karapetyan.