The Diocese of Russia and New Nakhichevan has called on the Armenian authorities to release Samvel Karapetyan.

The Diocese of Russia and New Nakhichevan of the Armenian Apostolic Church has once again called on the Armenian authorities to release businessman Samvel Karapetyan. Archbishop Yezras Nersisyan congratulated Karapetyan on his 60th birthday and wished him a speedy release. He considered the criminal prosecution for devotion to national shrines and the church arbitrary.

"Karapetyan has been and remains a symbol of charity, an example of patriotism, a guardian of the nation's honor, as evidenced by his God-pleasing deeds," Nersisyan said.