Armenian FM denies allegations of persecuting clergymen, brands as 'rumors'

Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan branded reports about alleged “persecution of clergymen” in the country as mere rumors during the plenary session of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE).

He denied the accusations.

Asked by a PACE delegate from the Conservative group about alleged “anti-church” actions of the government and “persecution of clergymen”, the Foreign Minister said that such descriptions are inaccurate.

"These are rumors that need to be clarified and corrected right here. I must say that I completely disagree with some of your formulations and characterizations. I regret that your information is inaccurate. There is no persecution of clergy in Armenia," Mirzoyan emphasized.

At the same time, Mirzoyan drew the PACE member’s attention to the fact that some clergy have been calling for the violent removal of a democratically elected government.

"This was done openly, and there were even calls for murder—one of which was directed at me. What would your decision and action be in such a case? In Armenia, the rule of law prevails, and everyone must act within the framework of the law—whether clergy, officials, artists, or ordinary citizens. The sad reality is that there are clergy who have made such calls," Mirzoyan said.