Calls to Organize Protests Near the Mother See Accompanied by Insults and Calls for Violence Against the Catholicos and Other Clergy: Ombudsman

The Office of the Human Rights Defender of Armenia has recorded calls and posts on various social media pages related to organizing protests in the territory of the Mother See on December 27. These calls and posts are accompanied by insults directed at the leader of the Armenian Apostolic Church, His Holiness the Catholicos of All Armenians, and other clergy, as well as hate speech and even calls for violence.

Insults, hate speech, or calls for violence are not protected by any rights, including those contrary to the freedom of expression. They are not acceptable under any international requirements either. Therefore, such approaches are illegal.

Moreover, Article 41 of the Constitution guarantees every person's right to freedom of thought, conscience, and religion in the Republic of Armenia. This right, according to the Constitution, includes the freedom to change religion or beliefs and to express them either alone or with others, publicly or privately, through preaching, church ceremonies, worship, or other means.

These constitutional guarantees apply to all denominations in Armenia, with a particular emphasis on the majority of citizens in the case of the Armenian Apostolic Holy Church. The Armenian Apostolic Holy Church has its own regulations, and church ceremonies are carried out based on these rules, the free conduct of which is guaranteed by the Constitution and laws of our state.

Furthermore, the unique mission of the Armenian Apostolic Holy Church in the spiritual life of the Armenian people, as well as in the development of its national culture and the preservation of national identity, is recognized at the constitutional level.

The Office of the Human Rights Defender of Armenia is monitoring all processes, including through observation at the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin. Any action or other initiatives in our country must be based on the supremacy of law, respect for each other, and the imperative of ensuring solidarity.