Armenian Association of Organizations of Argentina issues statement  regarding travel ban  on  Karekin II

ArmInfo.. The Armenian Association of Organizations of Argentina (IARA) have  issued a  statement condemning the Armenian authorities' decision to initiate a criminal case against Catholicos of All Armenians Karekin II and ban him from leaving the country.

"We condemn with deep concern the decision of the Armenian government to ban His Holiness Karekin II from leaving the country,  preventing his participation in the  upcoming Bishops' Conference in Austria. This is not an isolated  incident. It is part of a broader process that has been taking place  recently, characterized by the weakening of state institutions and a  move toward authoritarianism, which is damaging not only the Armenian  Apostolic Church, but also society, opposition parties, and the  historical relations between Armenia and the Diaspora," the diaspora  organization said in a statement.

IARA added that for several years, it has observed with alarm   systematic attacks on the political opposition, including lawsuits  and arrests that raise well-founded suspicions of political  motivation; persecution of critics, limiting pluralism and the right  to free speech; and numerous attempts to discredit the Armenian  Diaspora with false claims that the Diaspora's demands are an  obstacle to peace.

"Thus, an attempt is being made to artificially divide Armenia and  the Armenian Diaspora. An even more serious circumstance is the  increasing interference of political authorities in the internal  affairs of the Armenian Apostolic Church through arbitrary actions  and the labeling of its spiritual leader. Such behavior not only  violates the rule of law, freedom of conscience, and speech, but also  threatens the unity of the Armenian people both in the Homeland and  in the Diaspora.

The Armenian Apostolic Church is not a political party or an  institution subordinate to the authorities. It is the spiritual  pillar of our millennia-old identity and the guardian of our faith.  The separation of Church and state must guarantee independence and  mutual respect; it must never become an instrument of oppression or  enslavement," the statement continues.

The Diaspora organization believes that the ban imposed on the  Catholicos sets an alarming precedent.  "Hindering his participation  in church meetings is a direct violation of the right to freedom of  movement and a clear attempt by the state to interfere in the life of  the National Church. Based on all of the above, Armenian  organizations in the Argentine Republic resolutely reject any actions  aimed at suppressing political opposition, whether institutional or  through judicial pressure; attempts to separate Armenia from the  Diaspora through speeches aimed at devaluing the historical devotion  of Armenian communities scattered throughout the world; persecution  or intimidation of religious, public, or political figures for their  legitimate activities; the use of state levers to incite internal  hostility that weakens national unity," the statement continues.

In this regard, the organization called on the Armenian authorities  to fully respect the autonomy and internal governance of the Armenian  Apostolic Church. Furthermore, to guarantee the rights of all  individuals, organizations, and parties without discrimination and  persecution; to preserve the independence of the judiciary and  political pluralism as the foundation of democracy; restore respect  and cooperation with the Armenian diaspora, recognizing its  historical role and invaluable contribution to the development of the  nation.

"We reaffirm that Armenia's strength cannot be built on internal  confrontation, the restriction of freedoms, or the stigmatization of  dissidents. National unity is not imposed; it is built on the  foundation of respect, sincere dialogue, and democratic coexistence.  Armenian identity, forged over centuries of hardship, cannot be  destroyed by actions that contradict our national essence. Church and  state are distinct entities, and they must continue to function as  such in an atmosphere of mutual respect and balance," the  organization concluded.  Recall, on February 14, it was announced  that the Prosecutor General's Office of Armenia had launched a  criminal case against the Catholicos of All Armenians for failure to  comply with a court order filed by defrocked cleric Arman Saroyan.

As a preventive measure, he has been placed under a travel ban.  Similar charges were previously brought against six members of the  Supreme Spiritual Council and the Council's secretary. Lawyer Ara  Zohrabyan expressed his conviction that these actions by the Armenian  authorities are aimed at disrupting the Supreme Spiritual Council,  scheduled to take place from February 16-19 in Austria. It is also  worth noting that the case was opened a day after Nikol Pashinyan  announced that he would not allow the Catholicosate to leave Armenia.

He recalled that the Armenian Apostolic Church is also a subject of  international relations, as it operates in many countries around the  world, is a member of numerous international church organizations,  and has financial and organizational mobilization capabilities that  are independent of Pashinyan.