Yerevan: In recent months, Armenian authorities have intensified their crackdown on political opposition, arresting a wide array of individuals including opposition party members, independent deputies, activists, and even clergy, under accusations of ‘terrorism,’ ‘coup plotting,’ or ‘crimes against the constitutional order.’ This wave of arrests, which saw several opposition figures detained in July 2025, signals a troubling trend in the country’s political landscape.
According to Azerbaijan State News Agency, the independence of the judiciary in Armenia appears to have been compromised, with reports of phone seizures and violations of parliamentary immunity. Opposition groups and international human rights observers widely regard the government’s coup-preparation charges as fabricated and politically motivated. These actions are seen as tools to suppress democratic opposition, with independent analysts warning of a severe erosion of democratic institutions in Armenia.
The analysis titled ‘Pressure on Political Opposition in Armenia Under ‘Coup-Terror’ Charges’ by Levent Ersin Oralli, Associate Professor at Ankara Haci Bayram Veli University, highlights the systematic neutralization of opposition figures, even labeling elected or publicly supported politicians as ‘anti-regime.’ This development points to the disappearance of political competition, the stifling of pluralism, and the spread of fear and self-censorship throughout Armenian society.
Decline in Media and Freedom of Expression
Free media and independent journalism, fundamental pillars of democratic oversight, are under significant threat in Armenia, according to international and local reports. In 2024-2025, serious violations in media freedom and expression were recorded, with at least 29 court cases against media and journalists initiated in the first half of 2025. A total of 122 violations, ranging from physical violence to judicial pressure, were documented.
Statements from officials about imposing serious legal actions if the media fails to self-regulate indicate that pressure is not only exerted through law enforcement and the judiciary but also through public rhetoric and intimidation. This environment stifles individual journalists, independent news sources, and critical media outlets, hindering public discourse and informed citizenship, which are crucial elements of democracy.
Pressure on Religious Institutions and the Church
Armenia, historically recognized for its Christian identity, is witnessing a significant confrontation between the government and the Armenian Apostolic Church (AAC). This conflict has turned into public polarization and serves as a marker of authoritarian transformation. In mid-2025, numerous high-ranking AAC clergy were arrested on charges such as ‘coup’ and ‘terror planning.’ Human rights defenders and the church reported these detentions as unlawful, with lawyers denied access and evidence deemed weak.
The targeting extends beyond individual clergy, aiming to weaken the church as an institution and establish a regime of control through fear over religious communities. This raises concerns about violations of religious freedoms and the manipulation of church-state relations for political purposes, suppressing public opposition via religious platforms.
Silence of the European Union and the International Community: Dangerous Legitimization
The international community’s silence in response to Armenia’s escalating authoritarian measures presents a dangerous precedent. This inaction deepens Armenia’s democratic weaknesses and offers a model of ‘uncontested authoritarianisation’ for other nations. Although some human rights defenders in the United States addressed these issues in Congress, their concerns have not resulted in substantial political pressure.
For a nation aspiring to align with European values, the lack of international response undermines the essence of democracy and human rights, diminishing the efficacy of international mechanisms.
Is There a Risk of a New Dictatorship Line?
The political situation in Armenia, characterized by the management of opposition, media, civil society, and religious institutions through punitive mechanisms, indicates a systematic reconstruction of power. This transformation ties the legitimacy of power to fear and punishment rather than societal support, suggesting the establishment of a ‘new dictatorship line’ in Armenia.
In this context, a robust reaction from democratic opposition, civil society, and international actors, particularly the European Union, human rights organizations, and defenders of religious freedom, is both ethically and politically imperative.