Supporters of Archbishop Michael Ajapahyan failed to approach the French president in Gyumri and deliver the prepared message yesterday. The police did not allow them to raise their voice of protest and carry out an action.
"Several hundred policemen were just standing in front of this," the supporters noted.
"Dear President Macron,
Dear guests,
Welcome to Gyumri.
You are located in Vardanants Square, between two symbols of the spiritual identity of an entire nation, in the vicinity of the Mother Cathedral of the Holy Mother of God and the Church of the Holy Savior. However, today this area has become a symbol of restriction rather than freedom. Archbishop Mikael Adjapahyan, whom many consider a politically persecuted person, continues to be under house arrest after months of detention. his freedom is restricted and his voice silenced. In addition, the elected mayor Vardan Ghukasyan remains in custody under circumstances that raise serious concerns about political motives, against the background of threats and pressures recorded in previous months.
This is not an isolated case.
We are witnessing developments that cause serious concerns regarding violations of the Constitution of the Republic of Armenia, especially from the point of view of the principle of state-church separation. The political authorities have even included provisions in the pre-election programs that refer to the internal management of the Armenian Apostolic Church, including issues related to its leadership.
Such actions are a clear interference in the life of a religious institution.
Even more worrisome is the pressure directed against the Catholicos of All Armenians, the spiritual leader of the world Armenians, who has faced accusations and restrictions that hinder the free implementation of his mission and free meetings with his believers in different countries of the world.
These are not just internal issues. These are issues of fundamental rights.
Dear President,
Dear guests,
The values on which the European Union is based: human dignity, freedom of religion, freedom of speech and the rule of law are being put to the test today. Silence regarding such developments risks weakening those very principles.
We call for clear focus, principled engagement and consistent protection of the rights and freedoms that unite democratic societies.
This is the moment when it is necessary to protect these values not only with words, but also with deeds.
Thank you."
