The Armenian Center for Political Rights has published an urgent report concerning the ongoing campaign by the authorities of the Republic of Armenia to interfere with the autonomy of the Armenian Apostolic Holy Church. The report outlines the international
legal standards governing the autonomy of religious organizations, which the Armenian authorities are obligated to observe.
During the aforementioned campaign, the State, represented by the Prime Minister, security bodies, other officials, and now also the courts, has repeatedly interfered with the AAHC’s autonomy across multiple domains. These interferences have manifested both
in the denial of the Church’s and its individual members’ freedom of expression and other rights, and in attempts to influence internal affairs and liturgy.
In light of the interpretation of the European Convention on Human Rights, Arman Saroyan, as well as other clergy calling for “reform” of the Church, do not enjoy a right to express dissent within the religious community. In the event of disagreement, their
freedom of religion is exercised through the option of freely leaving the community.
If members of a religious organization, namely the holders of ecclesiastical office, do not enjoy such a right, it follows a fortiori that ordinary followers of the Church cannot claim it either. Nevertheless, Prime Minister N. Pashinyan, has advanced demands
for the replacement of the Catholicos, basing his claims on presenting himself as such a follower․
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The appointment to or removal from the office of diocesan primate lies solely within the discretion of the Catholicos, through which the Church’s beliefs are expressed and its religious traditions maintained. The State possesses no authority to require that
such religious responsibilities be entrusted to any particular individual.
Further details regarding the applicable legal standards, references to relevant judgments of the European Court of Human Rights,
as well as the report’s conclusions and recommendations, are available in the
urgent report․
Rafael Ishkhanyan
President of the Armenian Center for Political Rights
Armenian Center for Political Rights
