The change in the detention measure of Archbishop Mikael Ajapahyan, head of the Shirak Diocese, is once again the result of a political decision, his lawyer Ara Zohrabyan told reporters outside the Court of Appeals.

The Court of Appeals has ruled to replace Archbishop Ajapahyan’s pre-trial detention with house arrest.

Zohrabyan argued that just like the initiation of the criminal case and the original detention, this latest decision was driven not by legal considerations, but political ones. He added that international organizations’ reactions, public tension, and active media coverage may also have influenced the outcome.

“Everyone understands that Archbishop Mikael Ajapahyan is unjustly imprisoned for an act consisting of speech, no less. He is 63, a bishop, and we’ve seen many cases where individuals accused of serious crimes remain free or are under house arrest. This unequal treatment is evident. I believe the judiciary now realizes it cannot escape the European Court of Human Rights or avoid accountability from international bodies over such blatant violations,” Zohrabyan stated.

He emphasized that in the case filed with the European Court of Human Rights, they expect a favorable outcome based on the obvious nature of the violations.

A criminal case was initiated against Archbishop Mikael Ajapahyan over public statements which, according to the charges, aimed at seizing power, overthrowing the constitutional order, undermining territorial integrity, or renouncing sovereignty.

He was arrested on June 28. On October 3, Judge Armine Meliksetyan of the First Instance Court found him guilty and sentenced him to two years in prison.

On November 13, the defense filed an appeal with the Court of Appeals, requesting that the verdict be fully overturned and Archbishop Mikael (Gevorg) Artashes Ajapahyan be acquitted.