It was predictable verdict – Hovhannes Khudoyan

Speaking with Alpha News, lawyer Hovhannes Khudoyan commented on the court’s decision to sentence Archbishop Mikael Ajapahyan, head of the Shirak Diocese, to two years in prison.

“This was definitely predictable, and there’s nothing to be surprised about. A parallel can be drawn: when Artsakh is handed over to the Azerbaijanis, one shouldn’t be surprised that cemeteries are desecrated or churches are destroyed. The same thing is happening here—when justice is in the hands of these people, there’s no point in being surprised by their actions,” Khudoyan said.

According to him, a standard procedure was used: the prosecutor’s office demands 2.5 years, the court slightly reduces the term.

“This happens in almost all cases—both political and non-political. The court slightly reduces the term, supposedly out of goodwill, but it was clearly foreseeable that Archbishop Mikael’s freedom would pose an obstacle,” he added.