The recent developments in Armenia’s internal political sphere and the authorities’ responses to them are deeply concerning from the perspective of the rule of law and principles of justice, fundamental human rights and freedoms, and public trust in these institutions. All of this is unfolding against the backdrop of external threats to the security of the state and its citizens, with widespread use of tools characteristic of hybrid warfare. Under such conditions, as a civil society organization, we find it necessary to call on all public actors, first and foremost the authorities, as well as political and civil forces, spiritual institutions, and citizens to demonstrate restraint and act with responsibility and conduct grounded in a high sense of state consciousness.
Helsinki Citizens’ Assembly-Vanadzor urges adherence to a civilized culture of public discourse, and the exclusion of hate speech, labeling, and discriminatory or divisive language. No force, whether political, spiritual, or civil has the right to foster an atmosphere of hostility, which by its very nature stands in opposition to one of the core values of democracy: pluralism, the right to hold and express differing opinions, and respect for that right. Without guaranteeing this principle of democracy, it is also impossible to ensure and promote an atmosphere of societal harmony.
The threat or use of weapons cannot and should not be considered a tool of domestic politics
Any call for or attempt at violence against the constitutional order, or any call for or act aimed at the violent seizure of power, is condemnable. At the same time, any investigation based on such actions must be conducted in full adherence to the principle of trustworthy, impartial, and objective inquiry. Every criminal case initiated on these grounds must be examined solely within the legal framework, impartially and based on facts free from any narrow partisan or political influence. Criminal prosecutions must not be selective or used as a tool to neutralize political competition. The justice system must be guided by the principle of the rule of law, regardless of the accused’s status, whether from the ruling party, the opposition, or a member of the clergy. Any call for or attempt at violence against the constitutional order, or any call for or act aimed at the violent seizure of power, is condemnable. At the same time, any investigation based on such actions must be conducted in full adherence to the principle of trustworthy, impartial, and objective inquiry. Every criminal case initiated on these grounds must be examined solely within the legal framework, impartially and based on facts free from any narrow partisan or political influence. Criminal prosecutions must not be selective or used as a tool to neutralize political competition. The justice system must be guided by the principle of the rule of law, regardless of the accused’s status, whether from the ruling party, the opposition, or a member of the clergy.
The actions of the authorities to achieve the goal of restoring the principle of a secular state, which has been undermined for years, must be lawful and free from unjustified, disproportionate use of force. The operations carried out by law enforcement bodies involving large numbers of National Security and Police forces for the purpose of arresting and detaining high-ranking clergy were marked by a clearly disproportionate and demonstrative use of force, creating the impression of a public punitive action. Such an approach contradicts the principles of a democratic and rule-of-law state and further deepens public polarization.
In all actions, the principle of separation between church and state must be upheld. State institutions should not interfere in the autonomy of the church. Likewise, the church or clergy should not participate in political processes or act as supporters or opponents of any political force. Any decision by high-ranking clergy to engage in political processes or to express support for a party or political force must receive a clear assessment, first and foremost by the church itself, based on the principle of separation between a secular state and the church. Only by upholding these principles can the authority of both the state and spiritual institutions be preserved.
The issue of nationalizing Armenia’s electricity network was placed on the agenda by the authorities following public statements made by Russian oligarch Samvel Karapetyan regarding Armenia’s internal political developments. Public dissatisfaction with the operations of the Electric Networks of Armenia has been voiced for years, related both to service delivery and corruption-related concerns. Similarly, public discontent has also been expressed regarding water supply services, yet the nationalization of water supply has not been brought into discussion. This selective approach reflects the authorities’ actions being guided by political expediency. It should be noted that despite having the necessary tools, the authorities have failed to ensure proper oversight and have not acted to improve or modernize service quality in the public interest. Such oversight should stem from a systemic approach, not be dictated by momentary political circumstances.
The internal and external security challenges and threats facing the Republic of Armenia, as well as their prevention, require the Armenian authorities to act not through impulsive, fragmented responses, but through systemic approaches grounded in strict adherence to the principles of the rule of law and equal accountability before the law for all.
Fighting the ‘former authorities’ using the very institutions and methods once created for the purpose of state capture prior to the Velvet Revolution amounts to legitimizing the ‘former regime’ and turning the current authorities into a mirror of the past.
With this statement, we reaffirm our commitment to the supremacy of law, justice, and human dignity, and demand
From the executive branch of the Republic of Armenia and from all representatives of the legislative authority:
- To refrain from using uncivilized language in public discourse, a standard that must first be set by the authorities themselves. In cases where such language has already been used, an apology should be offered to the public.”
From the law enforcement bodies of the Republic of Armenia:
- To conduct a prompt, effective, and thorough investigation into criminal cases initiated on the grounds of calls and preparations for the violent seizure of power and armed coup attempts while strictly preventing leaks of investigative materials and avoiding the publicization of justice during the pre-trial phase. A full disclosure of all circumstances, participants, and motives behind the alleged crimes can ensure not only the full realization of the right to a fair trial but also build public trust in the law enforcement system. Only under such conditions can the security of a democratic state be strengthened, one that is grounded in the guarantee of fundamental human rights.
- To cease interference in the internal affairs of the Church as an association, and in cases of any such interference, to provide the necessary justifications. (According to Article 11 of the European Convention on Human Rights, “No restrictions shall be placed on the exercise of the right to freedom of peaceful assembly and to freedom of association with others, other than such as are prescribed by law and are necessary in a democratic society in the interests of national security or public safety, for the prevention of disorder or crime, for the protection of health or morals or for the protection of the rights and freedoms of others”).
- To investigate every instance of human rights violations committed during actions carried out by law enforcement bodies, and to hold accountable through appropriate measures those law enforcement officers responsible for such violations.
Helsinki Citizens’ Assembly-Vanadzor
July 2, 2025
