The hearing in the case of Samvel Karapetyan, chairman of the “Strong Armenia” party, started today at the Anti-Corruption Court. The judge presiding over the session is Vahe Dolmazyan.

At the beginning of the court session, Karapetyan’s legal team submitted a motion to hold the court session without video recording and live broadcasting. The court granted the motion.

“I have Russian and Cypriot passports, regarding which the process has started. I am a citizen of the Republic of Armenia. Since I am now the chairman of the “Strong Armenia” party and we will participate in the elections and we are sure that we will win, I will give up those passports.

Yes, I will renounce Russian and Cypriot citizenship. My education is higher, I have a doctorate in economics. I have not been convicted before.

Yes, I work, I work as the chairman of the “Strong Armenia” party, I had another job before I was arrested, I live in Yerevan, I am registered in the city of Tashir. I have not received the indictment,” said Samvel Karapetyan.

Addressing Judge Dolmazyan, Samvel Karapetyan said that Arshak Vardanyan brought a stack of papers with him, but he does not consider it an indictment.

“The accusers, those who gave them orders, have more to do with that pile of paper than I do. I said: I got it from Arshak Vardanyan, I didn’t get it from the accusers, if you consider that I got it, then I did,” said Samvel Karapetyan.

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