June 28, 2025 — As a non-partisan organization committed to the respect for and protection of legal rights and the advancement of justice for Armenians worldwide, the Armenian Bar Association is deeply concerned by recent developments in Armenia, including arrests and pre-trial detentions of church leaders and political opponents of the government.
We recognize that these issues are under active investigation. Allegations of political coups that resort to violence are extremely serious since the cornerstone of democracy is the peaceful transition of power through free and fair elections. Nevertheless, we urge Armenian authorities to respect the rule of law and ensure due process for all the detainees, commit to transparent public hearings, and abstain from using the powers of the judiciary to target members of the political opposition. The health of any democracy depends on the fair and impartial application of justice—regardless of political affiliation.
Any punitive actions initiated or undertaken by the authorities should be grounded in credible evidence and not be based merely on an individual’s speech critical of the government. The government should also ensure that detainees are able to meet with their lawyers and families and that private property is not arbitrarily seized. The Armenian Bar Association will continue to monitor the situation.
Now more than ever, the strength of Armenia’s democratic institutions and its commitment to justice must be clear and unwavering.
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