CSI Sounds the Alarm - Religious Freedom and Human Rights Under Pressure in Armenia - Prison Visits Denied

To gain an updated picture of the human rights situation in Armenia, a CSI delegation met with religious dignitaries, human rights lawyers, and representatives of the Armenian Apostolic Church in Yerevan from the 13th to the 17th of November.

Denied Prison Visit

The planned visit to imprisoned church figures was halted at short notice. The Ministry of Justice refused permission, which Joel Veldkamp, Head of Public Advocacy at CSI, criticised as 'unlawful'.

Freedom of Expression in Danger

The delegation directly experienced the increasing repression against independent media. On the day of their arrival, two podcasters and a journalist were taken away by masked officers, and representatives of the ruling party called for the confiscation of the journalists' union building right at the time when the international president of CSI, John Eibner, was being interviewed there.

First National Prayer Breakfast in Armenia

At the first-ever 'National Prayer Breakfast' held in Armenia, only one representative from the Armenian Apostolic Church was present. Bishop Daniel Findikyan used the event to highlight the issue of the imprisoned clergymen. Asif Mahmood, Deputy Chair of the US Commission on International Religious Freedom, spoke as a private individual and called for their release.

Swiss Peace Initiative Becoming Increasingly Important

At a press conference in Yerevan, John Eibner referenced the 'Swiss Peace Initiative for Nagorno-Karabakh'. This initiative aims to provide a forum for representatives of the Nagorno-Karabakh population to negotiate with Azerbaijan about their right to return, the protection of their spiritual and cultural heritage, and security guarantees. Given the stance of the Armenian Prime Minister, who considers the Nagorno-Karabakh issue 'settled', such a forum is urgently needed. Eibner reminded that Azerbaijan sees a crucial prerequisite for peace in preventing the Armenian Apostolic Church from continuing its support for Armenians in Nagorno-Karabakh. Asked about the prospects of success for the peace process mediated by the USA, Eibner responded with a quote from the Prophet Jeremiah: 'They say: Peace, peace - but there is no peace.' The cornerstone for sustainable peace is the right to return.

We Are Deeply Troubled

Joel Veldkamp expressed deep concern about the state of religious freedom and human rights: 'We are alarmed by what we have experienced in Armenia.' The state interference in the affairs of one of the world's oldest churches has reached a dangerous level. The campaign against the church ranges from verbal attacks and the arrest of prominent supporters to the imprisonment of clergy members, their lawyers, and relatives.

Recognition for Local Human Rights Groups

Veldkamp praised the work of Armenian human rights organisations documenting the instrumentalisation of justice against the church and the opposition. He specifically referenced a declaration from October 19, signed by 17 Armenian organisations, and a report from November 5 by the Armenian Centre for Political Rights. In conclusion, Joel Veldkamp called on the global Christian community: 'Christians must not let themselves be misused by the state to undermine the historic Church of Armenia. Silence is not an option.'

Demands from CSI to the Government of Armenia

The detained clergy of the Armenian Apostolic Church, their lay patron Samvel Karapetyan, and others imprisoned for supporting the church or legitimate political activities should be released.

Public attacks against the spiritual leadership of the Armenian Apostolic Church must cease.

The autonomy of the Armenian Apostolic Church should be respected, as guaranteed by the Armenian Constitution and international human rights.

The attacks on the press should stop, and imprisoned journalists should be released.

Appeals to Foreign Governments, International Human Rights Groups, and Church Leaders Engaged in Armenia

Attend the trials against detained clergy and lay members of the Armenian Apostolic Church, as well as against media representatives, lawyers, and other activists imprisoned for their religious and political positions.

Advocate with the Armenian government for an end to arrests and harassment against the church and political dissidents.

Publicly condemn the human rights violations in Armenia.

CSI will continue to push for access to the detained clergy and members of the Armenian Apostolic Church and advocate for religious freedom and the rule of law in Armenia, the right of the people of Artsakh to return home, and the release of at least 23 Armenian hostages held by Azerbaijan.

Press Contact:

Simon Brechbühl, Managing Director CSI-Switzerland, +41 44 982 33 40 simon.brechbuehl@csi-schweiz.ch

Joel Veldkamp, Head of Public Advocacy CSI, +41 44 982 33 10 joel.veldkamp@csi-int.org (E)

Rolf Höneisen, Head of Communications CSI-Switzerland, +41 44 982 33 77 rolf.hoeneisen@csi-schweiz.ch

Image Rights: CSI Christian Solidarity International
Photographer: CSI/Screenshot

Editor's note: Image rights belong to the respective publisher.