Renowned Australian-British barrister and legal scholar Geoffrey Robertson KC has voiced serious concern over the harsh criminal proceedings against Armenian businessman, philanthropist, and political prisoner Samvel Karapetyan, stressing the politically motivated nature of the charges.
Karapetyan was arrested on June 18, 2025, shortly after delivering a public speech in support of the Armenian Apostolic Church, during which he urged citizens to take action if national and spiritual values were not upheld by political leaders. He faces charges under Article 422, Part 2 of Armenia’s Criminal Code for allegedly inciting the illegal usurpation of power. A Yerevan court ordered a two-month pre-trial detention, based on what many legal experts describe as vague and politically charged allegations.
According to Robertson, the detention—marked by opaque court rulings and unsubstantiated claims from authorities—violates the rule of law and international human rights standards.
Robertson is currently considering joining Karapetyan’s international legal defense team and supporting petitions to be submitted to global human rights bodies. At a later stage, the team may also seek the formal involvement of acclaimed human rights lawyer Amal Clooney before the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR).
Robertson, head of Doughty Street Chambers, previously collaborated with Clooney in representing Armenia in a high-profile case concerning denial of the Armenian Genocide. He is internationally recognized for his advocacy of Armenian Genocide recognition and for defending the rights of the people of Artsakh.
