Ombudsperson: Armenia sees rise in hate speech targeting clergy

Armenian Human Rights Defender Anahit Manasyan reported a significant increase in hate speech targeting religious organizations and clergy in 2025, marking the first time the issue has been extensively addressed in the office’s annual report.

Speaking at a session of the National Assembly Standing Committee on Human Rights Protection and Public Affairs, Manasyan presented findings from the 2025 annual report on the state of human rights and freedoms in the country.

Manasyan said the report dedicates substantial attention to issues of religious freedom, encompassing both religious minorities and the Armenian Apostolic Church. The discussion, she noted, reflects a broader examination of challenges affecting various religious communities.

“We have specifically documented that during the past year, there were considerable manifestations of hate speech and targeted rhetoric directed at nearly all religious organizations and their members,” Manasyan said.

She emphasized the importance of respecting the autonomy of religious institutions, highlighting concerns related to interference and the need to safeguard their independence.