Weekly digest N 28/2025 (6-12 JUL)

1. The “HayaQve” union has submitted a criminal complaint to Armenia’s Prosecutor General’s Office, accusing Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and several ruling party members of inciting hatred against the Armenian Apostolic Church.

Coordinator Avetik Chalabyan claimed the authorities have launched an organized campaign portraying the Church as a dangerous institution. The group says it will also appeal to other law enforcement bodies.

This follows a recent Facebook post by PM Pashinyan accusing high-ranking clergy of being un-Christian and claiming he will lead a movement to “liberate” the Church from corrupt elements.

2. Artur Sargsyan, an MP from the opposition “Hayastan” faction, has been arrested for two months by a Yerevan court. He is accused of preparing acts of terrorism and attempting to seize power, under Articles 43-308 and 43-419 of Armenia’s Criminal Code.

Sargsyan voluntarily appeared at the Investigative Committee prior to the vote in Parliament, stating he believed the arrest decision had already been made. The Armenian National Assembly previously voted to strip him of parliamentary immunity and authorized his prosecution, following a request from the Prosecutor General.

The case is linked to alleged plots by members of the “Sacred Struggle” movement. Supporters greeted Sargsyan with applause as he was transferred to prison.

3. On July 10, 2025, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev held a closed-door meeting in Abu Dhabi. While official details were scarce, the talks reportedly focused on border delimitation and the possible signing of a peace treaty. UN described the meeting as a “constructive step” and emphasized the need for continued dialogue. EU welcomed the talks and urged both sides to finalize the peace agreement without delay. Russia issued a restrained statement, warning that the peace process must not undermine regional balance—an implicit reference to its waning influence. Iran reiterated that any solution involving Zangezur must not violate its red lines, opposing Azerbaijan’s corridor demands.

4. The Armenian government’s campaign against the Electric Networks of Armenia (ENA) is intensifying, now joined by the Public Services Regulatory Commission (PSRC), which is widely seen as aligned with the government.

Recently, PSRC rejected ENA’s proposed changes to its 2024 investment plan—despite the changes aiming to increase, not reduce, investments in technical upgrades and network expansion. Critics argue the move is politically motivated, especially following businessman Samvel Karapetyan’s fallout with PM Nikol Pashinyan.

5. On July 7, Arnak Avetisyan, head of the State Property Management Committee under Armenia’s Ministry of Territorial Administration and Infrastructure, filed a lawsuit against “Yerevanyan Krkes” LLC, requesting the seizure of the Yerevan Circus building, adjacent structures, and land in favor of the Republic of Armenia.

The claim was submitted to the Yerevan Court of General Jurisdiction. The court has yet to decide on accepting the case.
“Yerevanyan Krkes” LLC was founded in March 2006. Since November 2019, 76.5% of the company has been owned by Tashir Capital CJSC, , which is managed by businessman Samvel Karapetyan, who was detained for two months in June.

6. Law enforcement searched the homes of ARF Youth members, including Taron Manukyan, son of oppositional MP Gegham Manukyan, and Gevorg Muradyan, head of the ARF Youth Central Council. Four to five people were detained. However, the opposition calls this political repression. Gegham Manukyan criticized the raids, saying authorities used airsoft gear as fake evidence. Gevorg Muradyan said nothing illegal was found and called the operation absurd. The ARF Youth Union described the crackdown as politically motivated and reminiscent of Soviet repression. Some pro-government MPs have called to ban the ARF, accusing it of threatening national security. The opposition sees this as an attack on political pluralism.

7. The US Congress recently discussed the return of Artsakh refugees. Lawmakers stressed the need for safe and voluntary resettlement. They emphasized the importance of humanitarian assistance and strong security guarantees. The discussion also included calls for international monitoring to prevent further violence. Congress urged support for peacebuilding efforts to ensure lasting stability. Protecting the rights of the Armenian population in the region was highlighted as a key priority.

8. A demonstration was organized on July 12 at Freedom Square, Yerevan on the initiative of the “Council for the Protection of the Rights of Artsakh people”. “We have important decisions to make in these difficult circumstances, so that we can protect our rights through joint efforts and legal means,” the organizers said.

The rally was authorized, but the police and the Yerevan Municipality rejected the planned march and sit-in applications. The march was planned to go to the buildings of the Government and the National Assembly.

During the rally, the Artsakh residents declared an indefinite sit-in at Freedom Square.

9. US Congressman Brad Sherman expressed concern over the recent arrests of Armenian opposition figures, including Samvel Karapetyan, and clergy of the Armenian Apostolic Church. He emphasized that US-Armenia relations are built on a shared commitment to democracy. Sherman conveyed these concerns to Armenia’s Ambassador to the US, Lilit Makunts.

10. On July 8, the sixth meeting of the Armenia-European Union Partnership Committee, established under the Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership Agreement (CEPA), took place in Brussels. The parties discussed the implementation process of CEPA and the expansion of Armenia-EU cooperation.

11. Several well-known international media outlets reportted, that “HayaQve” had formally appealed to Prosecutor General, calling for a criminal investigation into Prime Minister Pashinyan for insults and interference in the affairs of the Armenian Apostolic Church. The appeal was announced during a Facebook livestream by public figure Avetik Chalabyan, a coordinator of the union. Chalabyan emphasized that the Constitution of Armenia guarantees that the state shall not interfere in the affairs of the Armenian Church or any other religious organization.

12. On July 8, a violent incident erupted in the Armenian National Assembly during the debate on lifting MP Artur Sargsyan’s immunity. Clashes broke out between ruling and opposition lawmakers, leading to a recess called by Deputy Speaker Ruben Rubinyan.

Armenia’s Human Rights Defender, Anahit Manasyan, condemned the incident, emphasizing that the parliament must remain a place for democratic debate, not conflict, and stressed the need to uphold order and respect within the legislature.