Major General Karen Shakaryan has been stripped of the Republic of Artsakh’s highest state honor following his public alignment with actions taken by Pashinyan’s government against the Armenian Apostolic Church.
By a formal decree signed by Acting President of the Republic of Artsakh Ashot Danielyan on January 9, 2026, Shakaryan was deprived of the title “Hero of Artsakh,” with the decision taking effect immediately upon signing.
The revocation follows Shakaryan’s participation on January 6 in a state-organized “pilgrimage march” led by Nikol Pashinyan. The march, attended by Civil Contract deputies and senior officials, was a political demonstration aimed at exerting pressure on the Armenian Apostolic Church and its leadership, in line with Pashinyan’s repeated public demands for the resignation of Catholicos Karekin II. Shakaryan’s presence constituted an explicit endorsement of that campaign.
The decree was issued pursuant to Article 40, Part 4 of the Law of the Republic of Artsakh “On State Awards and Honorary Titles,” following a review by the presidential advisory commission, the statutory body responsible for evaluating matters related to the granting and revocation of state distinctions. The commission concluded that sufficient legal grounds existed for revocation, prompting the issuance of the decree.
The title “Hero of Artsakh” represents the Republic’s highest state distinction and is conferred exclusively for exceptional service, leadership, and sacrifice in defense of Artsakh and its people. Revocation of this honor is an extraordinary legal measure, applied only in circumstances explicitly provided for by law, underscoring the seriousness of the decision.
When questioned, Shakaryan stated that any questions should be directed to the spokesperson of the Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Armenia. Shakaryan currently serves as Acting Head of the Military Oversight Service of Armenia’s Ministry of Defense, placing the matter within the remit of Armenian defense authorities.
