Armenian authorities are increasing pressure on Russian protégés

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has threatened to fire employees of Electric Networks (ESA) for their political activity following the arrest of the company's owner, Russian billionaire Samvel Karapetyan. Pashinyan also warned of lawsuits against those who force ESA employees to participate in rallies.

The Armenian parliament has adopted in the first reading a bill that allows the nationalization of the Electric Networks company. At the same time, searches are being conducted in the Yerevan office of Tashir Group of Companies, which is owned by Karapetyan.

Earlier, a criminal case was opened against the Russian billionaire for publicly calling for the overthrow of the government. According to his lawyer Aram Vardevanyan, in reality, the businessman's statement in defense of the Armenian Church did not contain such calls.

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