Armenian organizations of Argentina (IARA) have expressed deep concern over the Armenian government’s decision to bar Catholicos of All Armenians Karekin II from leaving the country, preventing him from attending a bishops’ assembly scheduled 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 steps leading toward authoritarianism, harming not only the Armenian Apostolic Church but also society, opposition parties and the historic Armenia–Diaspora relationship.

For several years we have observed with alarm:

• Systematic attacks against the political opposition, including court cases and detentions that raise well-founded suspicions of political motivation.
• Persecution of critics, limiting pluralism and freedom of expression.
• Repeated attempts to discredit the Armenian Diaspora through false claims that its demands hinder peace, thereby artificially creating division between Armenia and Armenians worldwide.
• And, most seriously, growing political interference in the internal affairs of the Armenian Apostolic Church through arbitrary actions and labeling of the spiritual leader.

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

The Armenian Apostolic Church is not a political party nor a structure subordinate to the authorities. It is the spiritual pillar of our millennia-old identity and the guardian of our faith. The separation of Church and State must guarantee independence and mutual respect; it must never become a tool of pressure or subordination.

The restriction imposed on the Catholicos is an alarming precedent. Preventing his participation in a church assembly constitutes a violation of freedom of movement and a clear attempt by the state to interfere in the life of the National Church,” the statement reads.

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

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

As representatives of the entire Armenian community of Argentina, the organizations issued 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 foundations 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 the labeling of dissent. National unity cannot be imposed; it is built on respect, sincere dialogue and democratic coexistence.

An Armenian identity tempered by centuries of trials cannot be eroded by practices contrary to our national essence. The Church and the State are distinct bodies and must continue to function as such, in an atmosphere of mutual respect and balance,” the statement says.

On February 14, it became known that Armenia’s Prosecutor’s Office initiated criminal proceedings against Catholicos of All Armenians Karekin II on charges of failing to execute a judicial act in the case of the former head of the Masis Diocese and imposed a travel ban on him.