Today, on October 3, the court, once again trampling on the fundamental principles of justice, sentenced Archbishop Mikael Ajapahyan to two years in prison.
From the very outset, it was evident that the criminal prosecution of the head of the Shirak Diocese was politically motivated and a stark manifestation of the authorities’ anti-church campaign.
This unjust verdict is yet another proof of political retribution — a flagrant violation of the principles of freedom of speech and religion, the prohibition of discrimination, and a direct challenge to democratic order.
In strongly condemning these outrageous injustices, we reaffirm that the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin will continue to pursue the restoration of His Eminence Archbishop Mikael Ajapahyan’s rightful freedoms, including through international legal mechanisms.
The Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin
