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Archbishop Mikael Ajapahyan sentenced to two years in prison

03.10.2025, 20:08
Archbishop Mikael Ajapahyan, the Primate of the Shirak Diocese of the Armenian Apostolic Church, has received a two-year prison sentence.
Archbishop Mikael Ajapahyan sentenced to two years in prison

YEREVAN, October 3. /ARKA/. Archbishop Mikael Ajapahyan, the Primate of the Shirak Diocese of the Armenian Apostolic Church, has received a two-year prison sentence. The judge announced the sentence during a hearing on October 3, and it is subject to appeal within a month.

Citizens who attended the hearing responded to the judge's announcement with shouts of outrage, chanting "Srbazan, Srbazan" (a term in Armenian used to address a senior clergyman).

On September 24, Archbishop Ajapahyan was convicted of "public calls to seize power in Armenia." The prosecution had sought a 2.5-year prison term.

In a statement to reporters, Archbishop Ajapahyan's attorney, Ara Zohrabyan, described the ruling as "an evident political directive."

He pointed out that the judge referenced Article 442 of the Criminal Code (illegal entrepreneurial activity by an official) when delivering the verdict, rather than Article 424 (public calls for the seizure of power), which was the basis for Archbishop Mikael Ajapahyan's trial.

Zohrabyan asserted that his client did not engage in any actions that would fall under either Articles 442 or 424 of the Criminal Code.

"Mikael Ajapahyan did not advocate for a change in government or the overthrow of the constitutional order. The accusations against him represent merely an expression of his opinion and cannot be classified as a call to action," he stated.

Zohrabyan confirmed his plans to appeal the ruling, and Ajapahyan's defense team also intends to bring the case before the European Court of Human Rights; the process is already in motion.-0-