Catholicos of All Armenians expresses concern over ECHR decision

Catholicos of All Armenians Karekin II expressed concern over the inadmissible judgment that the European Court of Human Rights made on December 17, 2013 in the Perincek v. Switzerland case.

According to Information Services of the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, Catholicos Karekin II sent a letter to Swiss President Didier Burkhalter, expressing protest of the Armenian Apostolic Church and all the Armenians against the ECHR’s ruling. Karekin II noted that the ruling endangers the restoration of justice concerning genocides and the establishment of peace and mutual respect among the peoples.

Catholicos of all Armenians called upon the Swiss government, in particular Justice Ministry, to appeal against that decision. He also urged states to express their position on the issue of denial of the Armenian Genocide with the aim of eliminating discrimination and intolerance and preventing crimes against humanity.

Catholicos Karekin II also sent an official message to Secretary General of the World Council of Churches Olav Fykse Tveit, urging members of the World Council of Churches to express their protest against the dangerous ruling of the ECHR and in defense of Switzerland.