The ban imposed on the Catholicos is an alarming precedent: statement by Armenian Organizations in Argentina

The Armenian Institutions of the Republic of Argentina (IARA) express deep concern and strongly condemn the decision of the Armenian authorities to ban His Holiness Karekin II, Catholicos of All Armenians, from leaving the country, thereby preventing him from participating in the Episcopal Assembly to be held in Austria.

“This is not an isolated incident. It is part of a broader process observed in recent times, characterized by the weakening of state institutions and a drift toward authoritarian practices, harming not only the Armenian Apostolic Church but also society, opposition forces, and the historic Armenia-Diaspora relationship.

For several years now, we have been observing with alarm:

• Systematic attacks against the political opposition, including lawsuits and arrests, which raise reasonable suspicions of political motivation.

• Persecution of critics, limiting pluralism and the right to freedom of expression.

• Repeated attempts to discredit the Armenian Diaspora through false claims that Diaspora demands constitute an obstacle to peace, thereby artificially attempting to divide Armenia and the Diaspora.

• And, as an even more serious development, increasing interference by political authorities in the internal affairs of the Armenian Apostolic Church, through arbitrary actions and stigmatization of its spiritual leader.

This conduct not only violates the rule of law and the freedoms of conscience and expression, but also endangers the unity of the Armenian people in both the Homeland and the Diaspora.

The Armenian Apostolic Church is neither a political party nor a structure subordinate to government authority. It is the spiritual pillar of our millennia-old identity and the guardian of our faith. The separation of Church and State must ensure independence and mutual respect; it must never become an instrument of pressure or subjugation.

The ban imposed on the Catholicos is an alarming precedent. Preventing his participation in a church assembly violates the right to freedom of movement and constitutes a clear attempt by the state to interfere in the life of the National Church.

Based on the above, the Armenian organizations of the Republic of Argentina firmly reject:

1. Any action aimed at silencing political opposition, whether through institutional or judicial pressure.
2. Attempts to divide Armenia from the Diaspora through rhetoric that seeks to devalue the historic dedication of Armenian communities worldwide.
3. Persecution or intimidation of religious, public, or political figures for their legitimate activities.
4. The use of state mechanisms to incite internal hostility, thereby weakening national unity.

As representatives of the Armenian community in Argentina, we issue an urgent appeal to the Armenian authorities:

• Fully respect the autonomy and internal governance of the Armenian Apostolic Church.

• Guarantee the rights of all individuals, organizations, and parties, without discrimination or persecution.

• Preserve judicial independence and political pluralism as the foundation of democracy.

• Restore respect and cooperation with the Armenian Diaspora, recognizing its historic role and invaluable contribution to the nation.

We reaffirm that Armenia’s strength cannot be built through internal confrontation, restriction of freedoms, or stigmatization of dissent. National unity is not imposed; it is built on respect, sincere dialogue, and democratic coexistence.

The Armenian identity, tempered by centuries of trials, cannot be undermined by a mode of governance that contradicts our national essence. The Church and the State are distinct institutions and must continue to operate as such, in an atmosphere of mutual respect and balance,” the statement says.