When a dictator sets his mind on something, he always manages to find a “justification” for the action—sometimes multiple, often contradictory. Take Putin, for instance: he initially claimed that the goal of his war against Ukraine was the country’s “denazification.” When that justification didn’t quite convince anyone, four or five other “reasons” were offered to explain why it was necessary to attack a neighboring state.
Smaller-scale dictators are typically more preoccupied with fighting “internal enemies.” Pashinyan, for example, is displeased with the Mother See’s position on the Artsakh issue, believing it undermines his “peace agenda.” So, what to do? At first, they tried the “celibacy vow” angle. But it quickly became clear how absurd that justification was: why would the head of state suddenly take an interest in this matter, form an initiative group, and start scrutinizing the relationship between clergy and God?
When that didn’t stick, the authorities turned to a more “secular”—that is, forceful—approach. Clergy who criticize the government were labeled terrorists. Archbishop Mikael was accused of plotting a new “October 27.” Such claims might resonate with certain segments of the public, but even in Pashinyan’s courts, it would be hard to make those charges stand. Just recall what happened to the case against Artur Vanetsyan and his supposed “conspiracy” and “hybrid war.” Naturally, the same fate awaits the case built around Samvel Karapetyan’s alleged calls to “seize power.”
Still, the authorities’ imagination seems boundless when it comes to inventing conspiracies and accusations—tools for stripping people of their freedom and property. I wouldn’t be surprised if the next justification for repressing opponents is espionage on behalf of Russia. The phrase “agent network” is currently a favorite among government propagandists.
Read also
…Someone ought to warn Samvel Aleksanyan not to say the “wrong thing” or show up at the “wrong place.” Otherwise, they just might “nationalize” Yerevan City. What a shame.
Aram ABRAHAMYAN
