Armenian MP calls for jailed archbishop to receive communion

Independent MP Taguhi Tovmasyan has called on the Armenian authorities to ensure that a jailed archbishop is allowed to receive holy communion every Sunday, including while being treated in hospital.

In a Facebook post on Tuesday, Tovmasyan said she had formally appealed to the justice minister over the “unacceptable situation” involving Archbishop Mikayel Ajapahyan, who had been prevented from attending Sunday services and receiving communion.

She argued that the restrictions amount to a violation of religious freedom under Armenia’s constitution and the European Convention on Human Rights and urged officials to issue clear instructions to prevent further breaches.

Ajapahyan has been sentenced to two years in prison after being convicted of calling for a violent seizure of power in Armenia. He has denied the charges as politically motivated.