Prominent lawyer Robert Amsterdam wrote on his Facebook page that the two-year prison sentence handed to Armenian Apostolic Church clergyman Archbishop Mikael Ajapahyan is deeply troubling.
He stated that “the international community cannot remain indifferent to this blatant injustice.”
“This case, where the charges are based on ‘public calls to seize power,’ is yet another example of the Armenian judiciary being used against political dissent.
The trial of Archbishop Mikael, who himself described it as political persecution, illustrates the violation of fundamental principles of free speech and fair trial.
When a spiritual leader is imprisoned simply for expressing concern over the country’s future, it sends a chilling message to the entire society: do not criticize the government, no matter how deep your concerns.
The international community must not ignore this injustice. Armenian authorities must immediately review this verdict and ensure a fair trial in line with the European Convention on Human Rights.
Justice must be independent, not a political tool,” Amsterdam wrote.
Archbishop Mikael Ajapahyan, head of the Shirak Diocese, was sentenced to two years in prison. The verdict was issued by Judge Armine Meliksetyan of the court of first instance.
According to lawyer Ara Zohrabyan, the judge was in such haste that she cited the wrong article—Article 442(2) of Armenia’s Criminal Code, which concerns illegal participation of officials in entrepreneurial activity. However, the archbishop was charged under Article 422 for “public calls to seize power.”
