The European Conservatives, Patriots and Affiliates political group in the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE), comprising 107 lawmakers, has expressed concern over the detention of Samvel Karapetyan, leader of the Strong Armenia alliance.
According to a statement published by Strong Armenia, the political group linked Karapetyan’s detention to his opposition to proposed constitutional amendments.
“The lawmakers confirmed a direct connection between his detention and his opposition to constitutional amendments. They also noted the simultaneous detention of three opposition leaders in Armenia and instances of selective political persecution,” the alliance said.
The statement also referred to a September 2026 PACE report addressing selective political persecution and called on Armenian authorities to uphold the rule of law.
Karapetyan has been remanded in custody for another month. According to investigators, a group allegedly organized by the businessman committed four instances of abuse of authority in the private sector between 2016 and 2024, alongside alleged large-scale misappropriation of entrusted property and money laundering.
On November 4, opposition representatives met at Karapetyan’s home while he remained in custody. Strong Armenia faction leader Narek Karapetyan said the participating political forces adopted a joint statement and announced the formation of a nationwide unity movement.
