YEREVAN – The criminal trial of Archbishop Mikael Ajapahyan, Primate of the Shirak Diocese, concluded its evidentiary phase in the Yerevan Court of General Jurisdiction under Judge Armine Meliksetyan. The proceedings, unusually brief, wrapped up within twenty days.
Defense attorney Jerem Sargsyan delivered his closing statement, sharply criticizing the prosecution’s case. He argued that the state presented a lengthy indictment but failed to substantiate the core accusation of inciting a violent seizure of power.
Sargsyan contended that the prosecution’s argument was fundamentally flawed, as it did not demonstrate a call to overthrow the government. Instead, he stated, the charges appeared to target the Archbishop’s role within the Armenian Apostolic Church. The defense lawyer accused the court of acting as a co-prosecutor throughout the trial, a role he claimed it would ultimately have to answer for under the law.
In his final petition, Sargsyan requested the court recognize his client’s innocence and deliver a full acquittal. A verdict in the case is expected following the next hearing, scheduled for September 2.
