Parliament and government of Nagorno-Karabakh speak in support of Levon Airapetyan

The MPs of Nagorno-Karabakh have called to change the freedom restriction measure for Levon Airapetyan, arrested on July 15 in Moscow.

The "Caucasian Knot" has reported that Levon Airapetyan, one of the most influential and wealthy members of the Armenian Diaspora in Russia, is suspected of embezzling and laundering of criminal money, as well as of involvement in driving the "Bashneft" Company out of state control. On July 17, the Basmanny Court of Moscow ruled to arrest Airapetyan until September 15.

"Being a patriot for many years, Levon Airapetyan has undertaken numerous charitable programmes in his homeland, having contributed to the socio-economic development of our country. We believe that the investigating body shall immediately release him, taking into account the health status of Levon Airapetyan," said the statement of the National Assembly of Nagorno-Karabakh.

The MPs have treated Airapetyan's arrest as "an unfortunate misunderstanding" and expressed hope that Russian law enforcement bodies would be able to conduct an objective investigation, as a result of which the innocence of Levon Airapetyan would be proved.

A similar appeal was made by the Prime Minister of Nagorno-Karabakh Ara Arutyunyan, the "Caucasian Knot" correspondent reports, adding that the Prime Minister has noted that "all Armenians have united in support of Airapetyan."