Police block archbishop's supporters from delivering message to Macron in Gyumri

Armenian police on Tuesday prevented supporters of Archbishop Mikayel Ajapahyan from approaching French President Emmanuel Macron during his visit to Gyumri, thwarting an attempt to deliver a letter regarding political persecution and religious interference.

Dozens of activists gathered at Vardanants Square, situated between the city’s cathedrals, but were met by a heavy police cordon that blocked them from reaching the French delegation.

"Several hundred police stood against us just to prevent this message from being heard," organizers said in a statement.

The prohibited letter, addressed to Macron, says that the archbishop remains under house arrest following months of detention in what supporters describe as a politically motivated crackdown. The message also highlighted the continued detention of Gyumri Mayor Vardan Ghukasyan, citing "serious concerns regarding political motives" following threats and pressure from the authorities.

The activists’ appeal to the French president criticized the Armenian government for what they termed "blatant interference" in the Armenian Apostolic Church. The group stated that the ruling administration has sought to influence church leadership and internal governance, violating the constitutional separation of church and state.

The statement further claimed that Catholicos of All Armenians Karekin II faces mounting state pressure and restrictions on his movement, hindering his mission and engagement with the diaspora.

"The values the European Union is built upon—religious freedom, freedom of speech, and the rule of law—are being tested here," the letter stated, calling on Macron to abandon "silence" in favor of principled engagement.