Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin has declared that the unjust sentence handed down against Archbishop Mikael Ajapahyan is further evidence of political retribution.
According to the statement, this is one of the clearest manifestations of the authorities’ anti-church campaign.
"Today, on October 3, the court, continuing to violate fundamental principles of justice, sentenced His Grace Archbishop Mikael Ajapahyan to two years in prison.
It was evident from the outset that the criminal prosecution initiated against the Primate of the Shirak Diocese was politically motivated and a clear expression of the authorities’ anti-church campaign.
The unjust sentence against His Grace Archbishop Mikael Ajapahyan is further proof of political vengeance, constituting a blatant violation of freedom of speech and religion, as well as the principle of non-discrimination. It represents a direct challenge to democratic governance.
We strongly condemn these outrageous illegalities and reaffirm that the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin will pursue all legal avenues, including international mechanisms, to restore the rightful freedoms of His Grace Archbishop Mikael Ajapahyan," the statement reads.
Archbishop Mikayel Ajapahyan, head of the Shirak Diocese, has been sentenced to two years in prison. Judge Armine Meliksetyan of the first instance court announced the verdict.
In her haste, the judge cited the wrong article — Article 442(2) of the Criminal Code of Armenia, which pertains to illegal entrepreneurial activity by officials — whereas the archbishop had been charged under Article 422 for public calls to seize power.
