“We strongly condemn the conviction of Archbishop Mikayel Ajapahyan, viewing it as unjust repression, a violation of his freedom of speech, and persecution for his spiritual and national service under pressure from external hostile forces”

STATEMENT

Regarding the Repression and Conviction of Archbishop Mikayel Ajapahyan
We, the undersigned, strongly condemn the court’s decision to convict Archbishop Mikayel Ajapahyan, as we regard this verdict as a repression, unjust, and a deliberate infringement on his freedom of speech, a manifestation of persecution due to his spiritual and national service, as well as a dictate of external hostile forces.

The Armenian Apostolic Holy Church serves as a foundation of our national identity, spiritual vitality, and public unity. Unjust treatment of a church servant undermines both the Church and our core national values.

We denounce the current government’s policy of reviving the repressive practices reminiscent of the Bolshevik era in Armenia.

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We also note the complete dependence of the RA judicial system on the administration. We express our support for the Armenian Apostolic Holy Church in matters of the rule of law and national solidarity. We declare that we will be consistent in excluding any form of political persecution in Armenia.

October 4, 2025

Agulyan Karen – UNSD
Babayan Nika – Music producer
Baloyan Artur – Chairman of the “Justice” party
Gabrielyan Mekhak – Deputy of the Supreme Council of 1990-95
Gasparyan Ara – Executive Secretary of the “National Agenda” Party
Grigoryan Susanna – Literary critic
Dadoyan Vano – Spiritual Culturologist
Demoyan Hayk – Historian, Doctor of Historical Sciences
Zohrabyan Apres – Orientalist
Israelyan Anastas – President of the “Return to Artsakh” NGO
Hakobyan Ara-Chairman of the Council of the “National Agenda” Party
Hakobyan Ruben-Deputy of the Supreme Council
Hayrikyan Paruyr – Leader of UNSD
Hayryan Levon – President of the “For the Sake of Hadrut” NGO
Makeyan Petros – Politician
Manukyan Khachik – Poet
Manukyan Narek- Founder of the Armenia 2026 Movement
Margaryan David- “Country of Living” Party
Meloyan Armen- Policeman, Reserve Colonel
Minasyan Alexan – “Verelq” NGO
Mnatsakanyan Victor – Chairman of the “Victory” Party
Chalikyan Khachik – Director
Chugaszyan Garegin – Member of the NDA Council
Papyan Ara – Member of the NDA Council
Petrosyan Yeghishe – Member of the NDA Council
Petrosyan Razmik – Deputy of the Supreme Council, Artsakh
Sefilyan Zhirayr – Member of the NDA Council
Sislyan Vazgen – “ASALA” fighter
Stepanyants Stepan – Doctor of Historical Sciences
Tonoyan Karin – Director of the “Hay Aspet” Foundation

National Democratic Alliance