Weekly digest N 27/2025 (27 JUN – 5 JUL)

Attack on the Mother See and arrest of Archbishop Mikael Ajapahyan

Following Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan’s recent harsh rhetoric against the Armenian Apostolic Church, on June 27, the Armenian National Security Service (NSS) and police attempted to arrest Archbishop Mikael Ajapahyan, head of the Shirak Diocese, inside the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin. This operation led to a physical confrontation between clergy members and law enforcement officers. On June 28, a court ruled to detain Ajapahyan for two months, restricting his communications except with close relatives and his lawyer. Despite this, Ajapahyan declared he would not evade justice and walked from the Mother See to the Investigative Committee. However, clashes broke out along the route between protesters and security forces, reportedly instigated by government-aligned groups.

HayaQve Union condemns religious repression

The HayaQve National Civil Union issued a statement condemning the Armenian government’s recent actions against the Armenian Apostolic Church and its clergy as coordinated repression, seriously endangering religious freedoms and societal stability. They stressed that the June 27 intrusion by the NSS and police into the Mother See and the Shirak Diocese to illegally detain Archbishop Ajapahyan violated constitutional and international protections of freedom of conscience and religion. HayaQve warned such actions risk sparking civil unrest and urged international organizations and diplomatic missions in Armenia to monitor the situation and act to protect human rights and public peace.

Public demonstrations to support businessman Samvel Karapetyan

Narek Karapetyan, nephew of prominent Armenian businessman and philanthropist Samvel Karapetyan, announced a gathering scheduled for July 4 at 6:00 pm in the “Seasons” park on Mashtots Avenue, Yerevan. From there, participants will march to the location of Karapetyan’s alleged unlawful detention. He called on citizens to pause their daily affairs and unite to demonstrate that the Armenian people will not tolerate injustice, emphasizing that those who justify illegality discredit themselves. The rally seeks to amplify public voices against perceived abuses.

Concerns over EU-Armenia defence cooperation

The recent visit of the EU’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas to Yerevan has raised concerns due to agreements signed that deepen Armenia’s cooperation with the EU in defense. The agreements foresee Armenia’s participation in EU military and peacekeeping missions worldwide. This development risks placing Armenia at odds with its primary strategic ally, Russia. Armenian authorities announced a new agenda with the EU including security and defense cooperation, which experts warn could destabilize the regional geopolitical balance and complicate Armenia’s traditionally multi-vector foreign policy.
Concurrently, discussions about Armenia’s potential EU membership have begun, despite the country’s deep integration in the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) and the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU). HayaQve board member Armen Manvelyan cautioned that the EU is not a defense alliance and cannot guarantee Armenia’s security. He further warned that leaving the EAEU and integrating with the EU could pose serious economic and stability challenges. Experts highlight that deeper EU defense ties could damage Armenia-Russia strategic relations at a time when regional security remains fragile.

Political and economic criris over nationalisation of Armenian Electric Networks (AEN)

Recent events reveal a serious political and economic crisis surrounding the state takeover of Armenian Electric Networks (AEN). The process, unfolding amid public confrontations, appears motivated by retaliation against businessman Samvel Karapetyan due to his defense of the Armenian Apostolic Church. AEN, one of Armenia’s largest infrastructure enterprises, has been controlled by Karapetyan’s Tashir Group since 2015 and has made substantial investments modernizing the grid. The nationalization jeopardizes the company’s future development and harms Armenia’s investment climate.

Karapetyan’s family has initiated an international investment dispute based on the Armenia-Cyprus Investment Protection Agreement. The case could lead to arbitration and claims for hundreds of millions of dollars in compensation. This scenario creates uncertainty for current and future investors, damages Armenia’s rule-of-law image, and risks triggering an economic downturn, capital flight, and reduced investment.

Divine Liturgy Prayers for Prisoners and Peace

On June 30, after evening prayers, His Holiness Karekin II, Catholicos of All Armenians, officiated a Divine Liturgy at the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, praying for the freedom of prisoners, comfort for the suffering, and peace for the homeland. The liturgy was led by Archbishop Vrtanes Abrahamyan, leader of the Artsakh Diocese, and attended by clergy, Artsakh officials, families of Armenian hostages illegally detained in Azerbaijan, and numerous pilgrims. The sermon addressed contemporary hardships and the plight of detained Armenian compatriots.

HayaQve’s ongoing meetings in Europe

HayaQve representatives, including coordinator Avetik Chalabyan and external affairs committee members Atom Mkhitaryan and Anna Kostanyan, held informal discussions in NL, BE and FR. In their interviews this week, they reflected on the political meetings they held in the three aforementioned countries and presented the agreements reached.

Armenian president‘s speech at UN Financing for Development Conference

During the UN Global Financing for Development Conference in Spain, Armenian President Vahagn Khachaturyan delivered a speech emphasizing the urgent need to reform the international financial system to better assist developing and vulnerable countries. He highlighted Armenia’s challenges, including the influx of 115,000 refugees from Nagorno-Karabakh, climate disasters, and limited financial resources. Khachaturyan called for fair financial support and invited international partners to collaborate on sustainable development and digital inclusion. He welcomed the conference’s final document as a potential catalyst for timely and effective aid to vulnerable countries.

Phone call between Armenian PM and French President Macron

Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan held a telephone conversation with French President Emmanuel Macron, discussing bilateral, regional, and international issues. Pashinyan expressed gratitude for Macron’s personal contributions to strengthening Armenia-France relations. The leaders agreed to intensify cooperation across multiple areas. Macron reaffirmed France’s support for Armenia’s reform agenda and its peace strategy.

Ombudsman’s office summary of Police rapid response visits

The Human Rights Defender’s Office summarized findings from recent rapid response visits to police stations. The review revealed that several detainees were arrested on direct suspicion of obstructing justice. Among the detainees were minors. During confidential interviews, detainees raised various concerns, some of which were addressed after discussions between Ombudsman representatives and police officers.

Armenia’s 30th Constitution Anniversary amid crisis

As Armenia marks 30 years since its Constitution, the country faces a grave situation—from the ethnic cleansing of Artsakh to arrests of religious leaders and influential businessmen, alongside public confusion and the loss of key allies. HayaQve board members argue that constitutional reform should not be dictated by foreign powers or amid internal hostility. Instead, Armenians must unite, assess the current state carefully, and only then consider amendments. A new constitution should enhance institutional resilience, prevent power concentration in one person, and establish new rules for societal coexistence. Such reforms are only possible after changes in the internal climate.

Prosecutor General’s request to initiate criminal proceedings against oppositional MP’s

On July 4, Prosecutor General Anna Vardapetyan submitted a request to the National Assembly seeking approval to initiate criminal prosecution against MPs Seyran Ohanyan, Artsvik Minasyan and Artur Sargsyan. They are suspected of being involved in some illegal activities, as well as for the violent overthrow of the government in Armenia.