Armenia: Archbishop Mikael Ajapahyan Sentenced to Two Years in Prison

Archbishop Mikael Ajapahyan has been sentenced to two years in prison, according to an October 3 court ruling. The verdict can be appealed within one month, Orda.kz reports, citing Arminfo.

The charges concern “public calls to seize power."

Those present in the courtroom reacted with angry shouts when the sentence was read. They then began chanting “Srbazan, Srbazan” — an Armenian form of address for a high-ranking cleric. 

On September 24, Ajapahyan was found guilty of “public calls to seize power in Armenia.”

Prosecutors had sought a 2.5-year prison term.