Armenian lawyer announces launch of church defense platform

Armenian lawyer Ara Zohrabyan said a new platform has been launched to protect the Armenian Apostolic Church as authorities intensify attacks on clergy and religious institutions.

In a statement on Saturday, Zohrabyan accused the government of targeting the church due to its role in preserving Armenian identity, advocating for recognition of the Armenian Genocide and supporting Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh). He claimed the campaign against the church, which began before the 2020 war, has escalated since May 2025, involving criminal cases against senior clergymen, arrests, searches and property seizures.

The lawyer also criticized Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, saying the government has no right to interfere in church affairs, attempting to influence the election of the Catholicos of All Armenians, and disrupting religious ceremonies. He described the head of the Armenian Apostolic Church as “inviolable” under Armenia’s constitution and laws.

Zohrabyan called on citizens to join the platform to defend the church and clergy, and to prevent attempts to “seize” the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, stating the measures will be lawful and peaceful.