Armenian Court Finds Archbishop Guilty of Sedition

Court hearing in the case of Abp. Mikael Ajapakhyan. Photo: azatutyun.am

YEREVAN — On September 24, 2025, an Armenian court convicted Abp. Mikael Ajapakhyan, head of the Shirak Diocese of the Armenian Apostolic Church, for publicly advocating the overthrow of the government, according to the Armenian service of Radio Liberty. Under Article 422, Part 2 of the Armenian Criminal Code, he faces either a fine or up to five years in prison. Sentencing is set for September 29, 2025, and Ajapakhyan has been in custody for over three months, with the court upholding his detention.

The charges stem from an interview a year prior in which Ajapakhyan called for a coup. Initially, the Prosecutor General’s Office found no basis for prosecution, but investigators later alleged he made similar statements repeatedly. His lawyers argued the trial was marred by procedural violations, including irregularities during a search and inconsistent treatment compared to other defendants placed under house arrest. Attorney Ara Zograbyan claimed the authorities aim to keep Ajapakhyan detained until the June 2026 parliamentary elections.

Ajapakhyan denies the charges, calling the case politically motivated. In court, he stated that despite being imprisoned, he feels free and grateful for the chance to “speak with God and with myself.”

In a related case, Archbishop Bagrat (Vazgen Galstanyan), leader of the Tavush Diocese and the “Sacred Struggle” movement, was arrested in June 2025 on similar charges of attempting to seize power, also criticizing Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan. The UOJ previously reported that Archbishop Bagrat’s case, along with 17 supporters, has been sent to court.

In July, the UOJ reported on Armenian president Pashinyan's threat to "cleanse" the Armenian Apostolic Church's hierarchy.

The UOJ has also published an explainer on the fierce rift between the Armenian Church and the Armenian State.

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