International legal expert condemns actions of  Armenian authorities  at Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin 

ArmInfo.  The actions of the Armenian authorities at the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin  contradict Article 9 of the European Convention (the right to freedom  of thought, conscience, and religion - ed.) and is a direct violation  of both Armenian domestic and international law. This is how Robert  Amsterdam, renowned American-Canadian international lawyer,  specializing in political advocacy and human rights, has  characterized the authorities' attempt on December 18, through  bishops who joined Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan's anti-church  campaign, to demand the resignation of Catholicos of All Armenians  Karekin II. The Armenian authorities' attacks on the Mother See of  Holy Etchmiadzin, as Amsterdam noted, demonstrate that Armenian Prime  Minister Nikol Pashinyan is effectively outside the law. "He is not  only acting as a lawbreaker, but also, apparently, intends to violate  both church canons and the Armenian Constitution. Shame on everyone  who carries out his illegal orders," he noted.

In turn, Ishkhan Saghatelyan, a member of parliament from the  opposition Armenia faction, described the events as a tragedy for the  Armenian nation. In a video message posted on his Facebook page, he  noted "Yesterday, at the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, the Armenian  people were divided between those who attack the Armenian Apostolic  Church and those who defend it. This is a disgrace for our state and  our entire nation. We must understand that we are in a situation  where we have to defend the Armenian Church in our own homeland, and  we are obliged to do so, as there is no other option," Saghatelyan  noted.

The MP also stated that the attacks on the Armenian Church will not  end are likely to intensify. "As on December 18, we must remain  steadfast and united, be consistent, and be prepared for the future  when we will once again be called upon to defend our Church, Holy  Etchmiadzin, and His Holiness Catholicos of All Armenians Karekin  II," the MP concluded.

Recall, ten  bishops of the Armenian Apostolic Church, who had joined  Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan's anti-church campaign,  launched in May to demand the resignation of Catholicos of All  Armenians Karekin II, had issued a statement. They called on  believers in Armenia and the Diaspora to demonstrate unity and come  to the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin at 5:00 PM on December 18 to  demand the resignation of Karekin II. Following this statement, many  public figures and opposition representatives announced their  intention to attend the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin that day to  demonstrate their support for Karekin II. The Aragatsotn Diocese of  the Armenian Apostolic Church also issued a statement, announcing the  postponement of the service and its holding at the Mother See of Holy  Etchmiadzin amid demands for the resignation of the Catholicos of All  Armenians. On December 18, around 6:00 PM, the bishops headed to the  Cathedral, accompanied by plainclothes guards. The faithful greeted  the bishops with chants of "Judas, Judas." The bishops handed over a  letter to the chancery of the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin  demanding the resignation of the Catholicos and hastily left,  accompanied by the same guards.