Archbishop Mikayel Ajapahyan
Charges
Public calls to seize the power (Article 422, part 2 of the Criminal Code of the RA).
Preventive measures
| Type | Period | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Detention | 28 Jun 2025 – 06 Feb 2026 | |
| House arrest | 06 Feb 2026 – 25 Jun 2026 | |
| Travel ban | 25 Jun 2026 – ongoing |
Facts and Justification
The Prosecutor had previously found no element of a crime in identical statements made by Archbishop Ajapahyan.
In parallel with law enforcement’s operations to arrest the Archbishop, RA Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan publicly hinted at the imposition of detention.
It’s obvious why he’s hiding from law enforcement. If the court sets a one- or two- month detention, how will the “holy father” live without women?
N. Pashinyan (June 27, 5:16 PM).
He was eventually sentenced to two years in prison after a trial that lasted only two months.
Detailed description of the persecution and substantiation of claims are are available in the “Injustice in Armenia: Mass political persecutions of 2025: Part A (May–September)” report (pp. 31-35).
Political motives of persecution
● Limit, reduce or hinder his/her or other persons’ political speech, as well as to force them to change (censor) their political speech and behavior, including criticism.
● To punish for political speech, behavior or beliefs.
Additional information
25.06.2026 The RA Court of Cassation quashed the Archbishop’s conviction, remanding the case for retrial. The quashing was due to violations of territorial jurisdiction.