We Demand an Investigation into Father Aram's Statements: ICM

The Information Center for the Mass (ICM) has issued a statement. 'ICM has demanded an investigation into Father Aram's statements regarding coercion to participate in gatherings. In response to the inquiries from esteemed representatives of the media, we inform you that on September 16 of this year, the spiritual leader of the Hovhannes Monastery, Father Aram, announced on the Public Television that there was coercion within the Armenian Apostolic Church to participate in the pre-election rallies of a political force in 2021.

Since participation in rallies is a prohibited act according to both the old and new Criminal Codes, the Information Center for the Mass filed a complaint with the RA Prosecutor's Office on September 17, requesting an investigation into that public statement. Just as we do in all cases where we notice public remarks regarding crimes against democratic order.

We announce that we do not have any further information or details about the alleged crime or its possible perpetrators. We also find it necessary to mention that coercing people to participate in any rally or paying for it is a crime, and the state must fight against it.'