Category: News

Human rights activist warns of ‘dictatorship’ if Pashinyan remains in power

Jirair Kafian
Panorama, Armenia
Apr 3 2026

Armenian human rights activist Nina Karapetyants warned that Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan could move the country toward authoritarian rule if re-elected, urging voters to participate widely in the upcoming elections.

Speaking to Panorama.am on Friday, Karapetyants said her analysis of Pashinyan’s actions indicates that he is moving toward establishing a dictatorship in order to implement what she described as anti-Armenian projects.

She argued that implementing such policies would require “total control”, noting that while segments of Armenian society continue to express dissent, that resistance could weaken if the current political systems are altered.

Karapetyants also raised concerns about potential shifts in key national issues, including the international recognition of the Armenian Genocide and changes to educational materials.

Framing the election as pivotal, she called on citizens to vote regardless of political affiliation, emphasizing the importance of broad public participation.

“This is not just an election,” she said. “It is a struggle to preserve Armenia.”

—

‘Time is of the essence’: Relatives of Armenian prisoners call for activation

Garo Vardanian
Panorama, Armenia
Apr 3 2026

Relatives and representatives of Armenian detainees unlawfully held in Azerbaijan have sent a letter to Armenia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ararat Mirzoyan; the Head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs of the Swiss Confederation, Ignazio Cassis; and the President of the International Committee of the Red Cross, Mirjana Spoljaric Egger, requesting the activation of the Protecting Power mechanism within the framework of international humanitarian law. This was reported by the “Center for International and Comparative Law,” headed by Siranush Sahakyan, the representative of Armenian prisoners of war at the European Court of Human Rights.

“We, the undersigned relatives and representatives of Armenian captives currently being unlawfully held in Azerbaijan, express our deepest concern following the complete closure of the International Committee of the Red Cross office in the Republic of Azerbaijan. This development has gravely exacerbated the already dire situation of our relatives, leaving us in a state of profound uncertainty regarding their fate and wellbeing.

Considering these circumstances and recalling the obligations set forth under international humanitarian law, we respectfully but firmly urge the Government of Armenia to extend a formal invitation to the Government of the Swiss Confederation to assume the role of Protecting Power. Such an intervention is both necessary and urgent to ensure that the rights, safety, and dignity of our relatives are safeguarded through internationally recognized mechanisms of protection.

While we are mindful that the institution of the ‘Protecting Power’ has, in recent decades, fallen into disuse and may appear unusual in today’s context, the exceptional and unlawful circumstances we face today demand precisely such exceptional measures. Azerbaijan’s continued incommunicado detention of Armenian captives, without access by their families, independent lawyers, or impartial humanitarian actors, constitutes a flagrant breach of its obligations under international humanitarian law, including the Geneva Conventions,” the letter states in part.

Noting that at least 19 individuals are currently being held in Baku, their relatives emphasize that this situation has created a serious vacuum in the protection of rights, resulting in a high risk of violence, ill-treatment, and even enforced disappearance.

“In view of these urgent and extraordinary circumstances, and recalling Switzerland’s status as host State and principal supporter of the ICRC in its role as guardian of international humanitarian law, we hereby respectfully but firmly request:

  • The Government of Armenia to extend a formal invitation to the Government of the Swiss Confederation to assume the role of Protecting Power with respect to all Armenian captives currently held in Azerbaijan.
  • The Government of the Swiss Confederation to accept this invitation and to act as the Protecting Power, thereby ensuring the captives’ rights, dignity, and protection to the fullest extent possible, and providing the guarantees that Azerbaijan has unlawfully denied.
  • The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), in its capacity as substitute for a Protecting Power, to support this appointment and to assist Switzerland in fulfilling its functions as Protecting Power in relation to the Armenian captives unlawfully detained in Azerbaijan.

Time is of the essence. Continued inaction risks further aggravating the suffering of those unlawfully detained and increasing the threats to their lives and physical integrity. We therefore respectfully call upon the Government of the Republic of Armenia and the Government of the Swiss Confederation to take timely and appropriate measures within their respective mandates, and invite the International Committee of the Red Cross to extend its support, with a view to ensuring that international law is effectively upheld and that the rights of ethnic Armenians are duly protected in the face of ongoing violations,” the letter concludes.

—

Protest held outside Armenian Prosecutor’s Office over public broadcaster bia

Jirair Kafian
Panorama, Armenia
Apr 3 2026

A protest was held outside the Armenian Prosecutor General’s Office on Friday, where demonstrators accused Armenia’s public broadcaster of political bias and violating fundamental rights.

Nina Karapetyants, founder of the Nzhar Party and a human rights advocate, said the Public TV Company has increasingly supported “anti-Armenian projects” to an unprecedented degree.

“Public TV has never truly served its intended purpose and has always been used for political expediency,” Karapetyants said. “However, it has never before provided such extensive support to anti-Armenian initiatives.”

She argued that key rights, including freedom of conscience and fair treatment of religious organizations, have been undermined. Karapetyants also pointed to restrictions on opposition voices, alleging that the broadcaster limits their access, particularly ahead of elections.

“There are numerous cases where Public TV fails to operate within the legal framework established by the state, doing so with impunity before elections,” she said, adding that opposition groups are effectively excluded from meaningful visibility on the platform.

Karapetyants further claimed that the broadcaster predominantly features individuals supportive of Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, who are presented as neutral experts but later appear on ruling party electoral lists.

Protesters submitted a formal complaint to the Prosecutor General’s Office but expressed little confidence in an official response. Karapetyants emphasized the importance of initiating legal proceedings.

“Starting legal processes is crucial because we are a state governed by law,” she said. “We cannot allow the country to be controlled by a single group.”

She also raised concerns about violations of the rights of the Armenian Apostolic Church followers, citing their significant presence in society.

—

EASTER MESSAGE OF BISHOP MESROP PARSAMYAN (English and Armenian)

Vanyan Gary

PRESS OFFICE

Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern)

630 Second Avenue, New York, NY 10016

Contact: Chris Zakian

Tel: (212) 686-0710

E-mail: [email protected]

Website: www.armenianchurch.us

 

April 2, 2026

___________________

 

ATTENTION EDITOR: Scroll down for the
Armenian text of Bishop Mesrop’s Easter Message.

 

Photo attached, with captions below.

HEADLINE:

 

The Easter MESSAGE of Bishop Mesrop Parsamyan

Primate of the
Eastern Diocese of the Armenian Church of America

 

Opposite the
Tomb

 

Years ago, while I
was serving as a parish pastor, one of my parishioners lost her husband. After
the funeral she would faithfully visit her beloved husband’s grave at the
cemetery.  She would bring a small chair
with her, and sit by
the headstone for hours.  It was my
privilege to accompany her on occasion, whenever she asked me to offer formal
blessings at his burial site.  But in my
youth, I struggled to understand why she would remain there, just sitting, for
so long afterwards.

 

Over time,
however, I came to realize what kept her there. Not habit nor loneliness, but
Love.  Love that refused to walk
away.  Love that chose to stay present,
close at hand—even when the only response to that presence was silence.

 

That same love
appears in the Gospel, when we are shown Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of
Jesus sitting opposite the tomb of our Lord.

 

In front of them
was a massive stone, a dark silence, a place that appeared to hold only
loss.  Everything they loved seemed
closed off behind that stone.  They could
have turned away and departed, like everyone else.  But they chose to stay, facing the sealed
grave—out of Love.

 

Earlier this year,
on a pilgrimage to Jerusalem, I too sat where they sat, opposite the Holy
Sepulcher: the Tomb of Christ.  I will
never forget the stillness of that place. 
The quiet.  The weight of
history.  And I thought about those
women: the ones in the Gospel, and the one in my early ministry.

 

Many of us have
been to this place symbolically in our own lives.  We believe; we pray; we trust in God.  Yet we feel we are staring at something
closed.  A relationship that seems
over.  A prayer that seems
unanswered.  A future that looks
blocked.  We are doing all we know to
do—and still, the stone is there.

 

But like the women
at the tomb, we stay.  Sometimes
that is exactly what faith asks of us: to stay in place.  To stay near God, even when you don’t
understand.  To stay in prayer, even when
you don’t yet see results.  To stay
hopeful, even when everything in front of you says, “It’s over.”

 

The women
stayed—and because they stayed, they were among the first to witness God’s
victory: the fulfillment of Christ’s promise that “I am the Resurrection and
the Life.”  They learned that waiting
with God is never wasted time.  Love that
remains near God is always rewarded.

 

My friends, if you
are facing a stone in your life today, do not lose heart.  Do not turn away—but stay.  Stay in prayer.  Stay in trust.  Stay close to God, even when you cannot see
the outcome.  Jesus showed us that
Resurrection follows faithful waiting. 
Light follows the long night. 
Life has the final word.

 

Jesus Christ is
truly risen.  And because He lives, every
stone that stands before you is temporary. 
But God’s promise is eternal.

 

May that promise
be alive in our hearts this Easter, as we proclaim:

 

Christ is raised
from the dead!  Blessed is the
Resurrection of Christ!

Krisdos haryav ee merelotz!  Orhnyal eh haroutiunun Krisdosi!

 

Prayerfully,

 

Bishop
Mesrop Parsamyan

Primate

 

Easter
2026

 

* * *

 

PHOTO CAPTION:

Bishop Mesrop Parsamyan, Primate of the Eastern Diocese of
the Armenian Church of America, sits before the Church of the Holy Sepulcher in
Jerusalem during the Diocese’s Holy Land Pilgrimage last January, in the place
outside Christ’s tomb once occupied by Mary the Mother of Jesus and Mary
Magdalene.

 

* * *

 

Claim: Leader of the Eastern Diocese of the Church of America

T. MESROP BISHOP PARSAMEANIS:․ EasterTHE RESULT

 

Opposite side to the Grave

 

Years ago, when I
I used to serve as a smoking pastor, and one of my parishioners had the misfortune of losing
իր ամուսինը։ After his death, this widow faithfully visited her husband’s grave.
She would bring a small chair with her and sit with her head on her husband’s gravestone for hours.
Befriending him on various occasions and whenever he asked, I would recite a prayer at the grave
on But when I was young, I tried to understand why this widow for hours
he used to sit there alone.

 

After some time I realized
what was it that kept him near the tombstone for a long time? It wasn’t the habit and it wasn’t
not the separateness, but the love. That love that refused to leave him. A love that he wanted
to stay in the present, close to him, even when the only answer he would get was silence
was.

 

This is the same love
is revealed in the Gospel. The Holy Book tells us that after the burial of the Lord Jesus.
“Maryam Magtaghenatsi and the other Maryam were sitting there, on the opposite side of the grave.”
(Matt. 27:61)

 

A huge stone is in front of them
It was a dark silence, it seemed that there was only a place of loss. All that
that they loved, I think they were blocked behind that stone. They could leave, but
moved by their love, they chose to stay, watching
the sealed tomb.

 

A few months ago when
We went on a pilgrimage to Jerusalem, I also sat where they sat – opposite
side to the Tomb of Christ. I will never forget the motionless and quiet state of that place.
The weight of history was significant. And I thought about those women – the women of the Gospel
and that too of a widow who was in my family.

 

Many symbolically
We have been to this place in our personal life. We believe, we pray, we trust
of God But at the same time we think that our eyes are fixed on something closed
a Think of a relationship that has ended. Consider it an unanswered prayer
is the rest. A future that is blocked. We will do the best we can
agree – but still the stone is still there.

 

But women near the grave
like this, we stay and wait. Sometimes our faith requires us to live
and wait. Stand close to God, even when you don’t understand. Stay in prayer, even
when you would not see any results. Stay hopeful when everything around you tells you,
“everything is over.”

 

Women remained – and how many?
who waited, they were the first witnesses of God’s victory, of Christ’s promise
to the implementation that “I am the Resurrection and the life.” They understood that waiting with God
It is never a waste of time. The love that remains with God is always rewarded.

 

Beloved, if you today
you will find a “stone” against rebuke, do not despair. Don’t panic and get out of here.
but stand firm, praying and trusting. Stay with God, even when the result
you wouldn’t have seen it. Jesus showed us that the Resurrection faithfully follows the expectation.
Light follows the long night. It is life that will have its last word.

 

Jesus Christ indeed
got older. Because He will live, every stone that stands before you is temporary.
God’s promise is eternal.

 

Keep that promise alive
remain in our hearts this Easter when we proclaim that:

 

Christ rose from the dead.

Blessed is the Resurrection
of Christ.

 

With prayer and blessing:

 

Bishop Mesrop Parsamean

Leader

 

S:․Easter 2026

 

* * *

 

PHOTO CAPTION:

Mesrop Bishop Parsamean,Leader

 

# # #

 

—

Armenpress: NASA launches Artemis II astronauts on mission around the moon

Ara Felekian
U. S.09:07, 2 April 2026
Read the article in: العربيةՀայերենქართულიRussian

NASA’s long-awaited Artemis II mission has launched four astronauts on a 10-day journey around the moon. The rocket lifted off at 6:35 p.m. ET from Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Florida on April 1, NBC News reported.

The crew — NASA astronauts Reid Wiseman, Christina Koch and Victor Glover and Canadian astronaut Jeremy Hansen — are the first people to launch toward the moon since the Apollo 17 mission in 1972, more than 50 years ago. They are also the first astronauts whom NASA’s giant Space Launch System rocket has ever launched into space.

The mission does not include a lunar landing; rather, it is designed as a step toward a landing in 2028 and, eventually, toward NASA’s goal of establishing a long-term presence on the moon and building a base there.

When they circle the moon, the Artemis II crew members could reach a greater distance from Earth than anyone has before.

Throughout the Artemis II mission, NASA plans to stream live views of space and the astronauts’ activities inside the Orion capsule.

Read the article in: العربيةՀայերենქართულიRussian

Published by Armenpress, original at 
—

Armenian Court Reviews Arrest in Church Incident Involving PM

Karakhanian Suren
Caucasus Watch, Germany
Apr 3 2026
2 Apr 2026 | News, Politics, Armenia

A Yerevan court is considering a motion to detain 18-year-old David Minasyan over a March 29 incident involving Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan at Saint Anna Church.

Investigators have charged Minasyan with violent hooliganism aimed at interfering with the prime minister’s political activities. His brother, Mikael Minasyan, is accused of assisting in the incident, while public figure Gevorg Gevorgyan faces charges of organizing it.

Mikael Minasyan and Gevorgyan have been released on bail, while the court considers whether to place David Minasyan in pre-trial detention.

The case has been opened under charges of hooliganism and the use of violence to obstruct the official or political duties of a public figure. In total, three individuals, including two school-aged brothers, were detained.

Law enforcement authorities have conducted multiple searches of the suspects’ apartment in Yerevan, though further details have not been disclosed.

The incident has sparked political reactions. Government allies have described the event as an assault on the prime minister, while some observers link it to broader tensions between the government and the Armenian Apostolic Church, including the ongoing dispute involving Catholicos Garegin II.

https://caucasuswatch.de/en/news/armenian-court-reviews-arrest-in-church-incident-involving-pm.html

—

Shahramanyan Rejects Allegations Of Power Grab And Emphasizes Peaceful Transit

Emma Nadirian
Caucasus Watch, Germany
Apr 3 2026
3 Apr 2026 | News, Politics, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Nagorno-Karabakh

On April 2, Samvel Shahramanyan, the last de-facto President of the dissolved Nagorno-Karabakh, stated at the Yerablur military pantheon that the authorities of Armenia and Karabakh had consistently coordinated their actions in both peacetime and during military operations. Referring to remarks by Nikol Pashinyan, the Prime Minister of Armenia, he emphasized that all key decisions regarding Karabakh were discussed jointly, noting that Armenia acted as the guarantor of Karabakh’s security. “All issues were discussed and agreed upon with the Armenian authorities. Yes, I also spoke with him,” Shahramanyan stated.

Addressing allegations of a power grab in Karabakh that allegedly led to the surrender of the region following his decree, Shahramanyan rejected such claims. He explained that Arayik Harutyunyan, the former President of the separatist Nagorno-Karabakh, had repeatedly expressed his intention to resign, citing a loss of public trust and insufficient resources to manage the crisis. According to Shahramanyan, political figures, including former presidents, attempted to dissuade Harutyunyan during the blockade period, but no coercion or pressure was applied. “I did not see any pressure,” he stated, adding that Harutyunyan actively searched for a successor and held discussions with several potential candidates.

Shahramanyan further noted that the transition of power followed established political procedures. He explained that a new leader required support from at least four of the five factions in the National Assembly, and that the Free Homeland party, founded by Harutyunyan, unanimously backed the process. Responding to claims that the Armenian Revolutionary Federation (ARF) had seized power, he clarified that David Ishkhanyan, who became Speaker of Parliament, had been nominated at Harutyunyan’s request.

He criticized such accusations as attempts to create internal divisions, urging society, particularly families of fallen soldiers and those involved in Karabakh’s struggle, not to be influenced by what he described as “provocations.” According to him, these narratives are intended to “divide and sow intolerance.”

Commenting on Pashinyan’s statement that “the people of Karabakh didn’t fight, they fled,” Shahramanyan described such claims as part of a broader agenda. He argued that during the 2020 war, responsibility lay with political and diplomatic decisions, which ultimately led to the loss of Karabakh and occupation of territories. “The Armenian people have lost Karabakh, and large territories of the Republic of Armenia are occupied,” he stated, adding that Azerbaijan continues to make demands that Armenia is compelled to address.

Regarding concerns that advocating for the return of Karabakh could trigger renewed conflict, Shahramanyan stressed that Armenia’s security remains a priority. He acknowledged the current challenges facing Armenia and stated that efforts are being made to avoid actions that could escalate tensions. At the same time, he emphasized the importance of defending rights under international law, including maintaining the issue of return on the international agenda.

https://caucasuswatch.de/en/news/shahramanyan-rejects-allegations-of-power-grab-and-emphasizes-peaceful-transition.html

—

Pashinyan Highlights Russia Visit, Domestic Land and Security Issues, Railway

Arsine Chaltikian
Caucasus Watch, Germany
Apr 3 2026
3 Apr 2026 | News, Politics, Armenia

On April 2, Nikol Pashinyan, the Prime Minister of Armenia, spoke with journalists regarding several domestic and international issues. He remarked that Russian President Vladimir Putin likely was not informed of the detail that only Armenian citizens can run for prime minister, emphasizing that given the scope of Russia’s international agenda, it was unrealistic to expect him to study Armenia’s constitution and laws in depth. “I simply informed him of this detail,” Pashinyan stated.

Commenting on his recent visit to Russia, Pashinyan described it as successful, noting that both sides reached concrete agreements and that bilateral relations are entering a new stage of development. Regarding statements made by Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexey Overchuk, he said he perceived no threats. “There are no threats in our words either. This is a normal working process, during which the parties present their positions,” he noted.

Addressing concerns raised by the Wings of Unity political initiative over difficulties in obtaining land in Metsamor, Pashinyan stressed that he exerted no pressure. He explained that rising rents and land prices are market-driven, influenced by wealthy participants investing heavily in elections.

Pashinyan also discussed an incident at Surb Anna Church, stating that although a person was struck, no physical injuries occurred. He did not witness the event personally but noted that State Security Service officers are authorized to use force, including weapons if necessary, to neutralize threats. “The purpose of his job is to act when there’s an attack or threat of an attack. However, assessing whether it was an attack or not is not my job,” he said. Regarding his own presence at the altar, he emphasized that there is no restriction preventing him from approaching it and explained the crowd situation at the time.

On the subject of oligarchs, Pashinyan asserted that Armenia has none domestically. He characterized Gagik Tsarukyan, head of the Prosperous Armenia Party, as a pro-Belarusian oligarch, and Samvel Karapetyan, leader of the Strong Armenia Party, as an oligarch in Russia.

Regarding Armenia’s railway system, Pashinyan noted that while the country has the legal authority to unilaterally terminate the concession agreement with the South Caucasus Railway company, it does not intend to do so. He said that discussions in Russia covered this issue in detail, highlighting the need to preserve Armenia’s competitive advantages under the current conditions shaped by the TRIP agreement. He emphasized that Armenia values its friendly relations with Moscow and seeks solutions collaboratively.

Pashinyan further remarked that relations with Russia have a broad agenda and potential for growth. While acknowledging past issues in 2021 and 2022, he stressed the importance of moving forward with mutual respect. On the prospect of returning to work within the CSTO framework, he described positive changes as unrealistic under current circumstances.


—

Trump: U.S. will bomb Iran “back to stone ages” over next 2-3 weeks

Boris Nahapetian
Read the article in: ArmenianRussian:

U.S. President Donald Trump told Americans on Wednesday night that he expects the war on Iran to last another two to three weeks, but deemed it close to an end.

Trump in a televised address from the White House, touted the successes of the U.S. campaign, dubbed Operation Epic Fury and repeated what he has said multiple times recently — the war won’t last much longer, CNBC reported.

“We are going to finish the job, and we’re going to finish it very fast,” he said.

Oil and stock markets reacted negatively to the speech.

The U.S. and Israel began the war on Feb. 28 with strikes around Iran, including one that killed the Islamic Republic’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

“We’re going to hit them extremely hard over the next two to three weeks,” Trump said. “We’re going to bring them back to the stone ages, where they belong.”

Despite the apparent escalation, Trump said that “discussions are ongoing,” leaving a diplomatic resolution on the table.

Published by Armenpress, original at 
—

NATO Secretary-General to visit Washington next week

Mary Lazarian
Read the article in: FrançaisՀայերենRussian

NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte will visit Washington next ‌week for what a spokesperson for the military alliance called a “long-planned visit” that comes after U.S. President Donald Trump blasted European allies over differences on the Iran war, Reuters reported.

“I can confirm that the Secretary General will be in ⁠DC next week for a long-planned visit,” Reuters quoted NATO spokesperson Allison Hart as saying. A White House official also confirmed the visit, according to Reuters.

Trump said he was considering pulling the U.S. out of the Western military alliance due to the refusal of European members to send ships to unblock the Strait of ‌Hormuz.

In ⁠remarks on Wednesday to allies gathered for an Easter lunch at the White House, Trump criticized France and the United Kingdom, among other U.S. allies, as a “paper tiger.”

“We’ve had some very bad allies in ⁠NATO,” Reuters quoted Trump as saying. “Hopefully, we’re never going to need them. I don’t think we will need them.”

Published by Armenpress, original at 
—