The defendants have two paths forward. They can wait for a future, independent Armenian court to restore their rights once Pashinyan leaves office. Or, if convicted, they can appeal the verdicts to the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR). Karapetyan’s legal team announced last week that they are already preparing such an appeal to the ECHR, hoping the court in Strasbourg will overturn the unjust Armenian ruling. The only problem is that ECHR proceedings can take years, unless it is handled on an emergency basis.
The 26th session of the judicial farce against Ruben Vardanyan will continue today at the Baku Military Court.
The cumulative procedural violations outlined above demonstrate unequivocally that Mr Ruben Vardanyan has not been afforded a fair opportunity to defend himself before a competent, independent, and impartial tribunal. He has been denied access to essential case materials, stripped of his fundamental procedural rights, and isolated from international observation and support.
Dr. Pietro Shakarian, a Postdoctoral Fellow at the Department of History at the National Research University – Higher School of Economics in St. Petersburg and a returning lecturer at the American University of Armenia, responded to Prime Minister Pashinyan’s statement that he sees “no problem” with Turkey potentially pursuing the idea of Greater Turan. Shakarian recalled key historical events, emphasizing that the concept behind the “Turan” project originates from the goal of permanently exterminating the Armenian people from their historical homeland.
Karapetyan’s only ‘sin’ was defending the Catholicos and the Armenian Church against Pashinyan’s unwarranted attacks. A subservient judge sentenced this innocent man to a preliminary two months in prison.
“The World Council of Churches stands in solidarity with the Armenian Apostolic Church, whose historic witness and enduring role have long contributed to the spiritual life and resilience of the Armenian nation and the global Christian fellowship,” said Pillay. “At this important juncture, we urge all stakeholders to act with responsibility, sensitivity, and a shared commitment to the values that uphold dignity, dialogue, and peaceful coexistence.”
Instead of trying to resolve Armenian’s existential threats, Pashinyan is busy writing vulgar Facebook posts and attacking the Armenian Church and clergy. It is he, not the Catholicos, who should resign.
Armenia deserves better. Its people deserve a leadership that understands the difference between reconciliation and capitulation. A future worthy of our history will not begin in Ankara. It will begin when we reclaim our voice, restore our dignity, and demand a just peace—one that honors sacrifice, upholds sovereignty, and reflects the true will of the Armenian nation.
By targeting the Catholicos — cheered by Azerbaijan’s Sheikh al-Islam and Azeri media — Pashinyan appears oblivious to the damage he is inflicting on his own popularity in the 2026 elections, and bolstering Karekin II’s public support. Most Armenians, faced with a showdown between a faltering politician and their spiritual leader, will naturally side with His Holiness. The public will demand the resignation of the Prime Minister, not the Catholicos.
There is no doubt that all clergymen, irrespective of rank, should uphold the highest moral standards of the church, including the vow of celibacy. However, it is equally imperative that the Prime Minister of Armenia respect the Constitution and refrain from intervening in matters beyond his jurisdiction, especially given his own marital status and his inability to manage the affairs of the state.
