Amsterdam: Armenian authorities persecute Church following “Ukrainian scenario”

Robert Amsterdam. Photo: alphanews.am

On August 12, 2026, international attorney Robert Amsterdam spoke about the persecution of the Armenian Apostolic Church and Catholicos of All Armenians Karekin II, Alpha News reports.

According to Amsterdam, the Armenian authorities are attempting to reshape the Church and effectively turn it into an arm of the state apparatus. “What is happening recalls the processes surrounding the Ukrainian Orthodox Church,” the attorney said, adding that such actions violate European and international law.

Amsterdam called on Washington, Brussels, and other Western capitals to respond to the situation. He described the proceedings against Church representatives and the persecution of the Catholicos a “disgrace,” saying they constitute violations of human rights and religious freedom.

On August 7, the first hearing in the case involving Karekin II and six bishops was held in Etchmiadzin. The Catholicos appeared in court in person, but Judge Hakob Manukyan recused himself, after which the case was reassigned to another judge.

The criminal proceedings stem from Karekin II’s decision to defrock Bishop Gevorg Saroyan, who sided with the authorities in their conflict with the Armenian Apostolic Church. In addition to the Catholicos, six other members of the Supreme Spiritual Council are defendants in the case.

Earlier, the UOJ reported that the case against the Catholicos had been sent to court in Armenia and that he could face imprisonment.

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