Tensions Rise in Armenia as PM and Church Clash Over Allegations and Arrests

In a tumultuous political environment, Armenia's Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan is embroiled in a bitter conflict with the Armenian Apostolic Church, culminating in mass arrests and controversial allegations. As he confronts criticism from religious leaders amid pivotal upcoming elections, Pashinyan's actions have drawn both ire and support.

In Armenia, a deeply contentious rivalry between Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and the Armenian Apostolic Church has reached alarming levels, sparking a flurry of arrests and sensational claims amidst growing public outcry. The dramatic conflict places Pashinyan, who is gearing up for pivotal elections next year, in a precarious situation as he faces both political and religious scrutiny.

Pashinyan stunned many this week when he publicly stated his willingness to reveal his private parts to the head of the Armenian Church, Catholicos Karekin II, as a means to prove his Christianity, directly responding to an inflammatory post by a local priest from Masis. The priest's post compared the Prime Minister to Judas and implied he was not a true Christian, further exacerbating tensions.

The tensions began escalating in late May when Pashinyan accused Karekin II of violating his vow of celibacy, alleging he fathered a child. The subsequent fallout saw state-affiliated media circulate provocative claims, and the government established a group to coordinate the election of a new Church leader, despite constitutional guarantees of separation between church and state.

As the crisis continued, thousands gathered in support of Karekin II upon his return from a trip abroad, while calls for unity and restraint echoed in response to the upheaval. However, government actions took a decisive turn when 16 individuals, including a senior cleric leading an opposition movement, were arrested on allegations of plotting a coup and terrorism.

Amid a backdrop of unrest, opposition and government-affiliated individuals face serious charges, including attempts to orchestrate violence against the state. Pashinyan shared details of what authorities claim is a conspiracy involving former presidents and a prominent Armenian businessman, Samvel Karapetyan, who was arrested after pledging support for the Church.

As the government moves forward with plans to nationalize Karapetyan's widespread energy interests, tensions between secular authority and religious influence only grow, raising concerns about Armenia's political stability in a time marked by fear of renewed conflict with Azerbaijan and a volatile regional backdrop.