Armenian Archbishop Sentenced Amidst Political Turmoil

An Armenian court sentenced Archbishop Mikael Ajapahyan to two years for advocating regime change. The trial is dubbed political by the church. Another cleric faces similar charges amid tensions between the Armenian Apostolic Church and Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan. This unfolds against the backdrop of upcoming elections and peace negotiations with Azerbaijan.

An Armenian court has sentenced Archbishop Mikael Ajapahyan to a two-year prison term after he was found guilty of calling for regime change. The sentence comes amidst accusations from the Armenian Apostolic Church that the trial was politically motivated.

The sentencing forms part of a conflict between the Armenian Apostolic Church and Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan's administration, highlighted by the arrest of several influential clerics this past summer on charges related to alleged violent coup attempts. Archbishop Bagrat Galstanyan, noted for his role in street protests against Pashinyan, is also currently in pre-trial detention.

The situation arises as the country approaches parliamentary elections, and Pashinyan negotiates a fraught peace agreement with Azerbaijan. Although a U.S.-brokered text was signed in August, key issues, such as Azerbaijan's demand for constitutional changes in Armenia, remain unresolved.

(With inputs from agencies.)