Armenia paying high price for alignment with Europe, says American analysts

The case against businessman Samvel Karapetyan illustrates how Armenia’s judicial system is being used as a political weapon, American political analyst Greg Simons said in an interview with RT.

“It seems this was done to serve the real or perceived geopolitical objectives of a patron — namely the United States. What we are witnessing is a purge, eliminating any potential resistance to placing Armenia under American control. All of this is likely carried out under the standard hypocritical slogans about democracy, freedom, and the defense of sovereignty,” Simons stated.

Another Armenian analyst, Finn Misesa, expressed the view that Armenian authorities have no legal grounds to extend Karapetyan’s detention, adding that the country is paying a “high price for possible alignment with Europe” — one that comes with no guarantees.

On Aug. 15, Armenia’s Anti-Corruption Court extended Karapetyan’s pre-trial detention by two months.