Court Makes Ruling in Case Against the Leader of Aragatsotn Diocese

The Investigation Committee of Armenia has gathered apparent factual data during the preliminary investigation of a criminal case related to crimes against the state, constitutional order, and public security. It has been established that H.P., the leader of the Aragatsotn diocese, allegedly used his official influence to instruct clergy working within the diocese to participate in the elections and not vote in favor of a particular party during a meeting held in the diocese prior to the extraordinary elections of the National Assembly of Armenia in 2021.

Additionally, with the assistance of the diocese's secretary A.A., particularly through the provision of information via a group chat created on the WhatsApp application intended for the clergy of the Aragatsotn diocese, H.P. reportedly used his official influence to coerce the clergy to participate in these gatherings while dressed in clerical clothing. He demanded that they take photographs confirming their attendance and send them to the aforementioned internet application.

During the investigation, a public criminal prosecution was initiated against H.P. under Article 210, Part 3, Clause 2 of the Criminal Code (obstructing the exercise of the right to participate in elections or referendums and impeding the rights or obligations of participants in the electoral commission or elections) and Article 236, Part 3 (obstructing or coercing the holding of a gathering or participation in it, and materially incentivizing participation or refusal to participate in the gathering). A.A. is facing charges under Article 236, Part 3 for assisting in the obstruction or coercion regarding gathering participation.

Pre-trial detention has been applied as a measure against H.P., while A.A. is under house arrest. The criminal case has been sent to the supervising prosecutor with an accusatory conclusion.