We expect law enforcement to act independently, fairly and accountable: European Commission on the case of Samvel Karapetyan and Archbishop Mikayel

Edmon Marukyan, the chairman of the "Bright Armenia" party, has received a response to his letter to the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, regarding the political persecution of political prisoners Samvel Karapetyan and Archbishop Michael.

“We thank you for your letter of July 14 to the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, in which you express concern about the arrests of Mr. Samvel Karapetyan and Archbishop Mikael Ajapahyan.

The EU is following these developments closely. However, the competence to investigate such cases lies with the Armenian authorities and the domestic judiciary. Based on the fundamental principles underlying the EU-Armenia partnership, we expect the Armenian justice and law enforcement authorities to act independently, fairly and accountable in carrying out these investigations, and to uphold democratic principles and fundamental rights, including due process of law.

"I can assure you that respect for these principles is one of the key elements of the regular dialogue between the EU and the Armenian authorities," the response states.