The Armenian Bar Association has issued a direct and forceful statement expressing deep concern over the recent arrests and pre-trial detentions of clergy and political opposition figures in Armenia. The non-partisan legal organization warned against the erosion of democratic norms and called on the Armenian government to respect due process, avoid weaponizing the judiciary, and ensure that all legal proceedings are grounded in credible evidence—not political speech or affiliation.
The statement comes amid ongoing investigations into alleged coup plots and follows days of public unrest and criticism over what many in Armenia and the Diaspora view as politically motivated repression.
The Bar Association emphasized that the peaceful transition of power through free and fair elections is the cornerstone of democracy, and warned that bypassing these principles in the name of national security poses long-term risks to Armenia’s democratic institutions.
Among its key demands are:
- Full access to legal counsel and family for detainees
- Transparent public hearings
- An end to the arbitrary seizure of private property
- A clear rejection of retaliatory arrests based on political views or speech
The full statement by the Armenian Bar Association on Events in Armenia reads as follows:
“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.”
The Armenian Bar Association is a non-partisan, non-profit organization founded in 1989 to serve the legal, professional, and community needs of the Armenian people worldwide. With members across the globe, the Association is dedicated to the advancement of justice, the protection of human rights, and the strengthening of legal institutions in Armenia and the Armenian diaspora. Through advocacy, legal support, and public education, the Armenian Bar Association works to uphold the rule of law and promote democratic principles wherever Armenian communities live and face challenges.
