Representatives of the executive and legislative bodies of Armenia continue to interfere with the autonomy and freedom of the Church’s activities, violating the Constitution of the Republic of Armenia and the Law of the Republic of Armenia “On Freedom of Conscience and Religious Organizations”, international norms on freedom of religion or belief and precedential decisions of the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR). The authorities’ attempts to interfere in the formation of church governing bodies and internal decision-making are illegal and condemnable.” A number of non-governmental organizations, human rights defenders and public figures have issued a comprehensive statement. Anna Sargsyan spoke with Anna Melikyan, a legal expert from one of the organizations that signed the statement, “Protection of Rights Without Borders”.
