An event titled “Armenia’s Authoritarian Turn: The Persecution of the Armenian Apostolic Holy Church” was held at the UK Parliament on November 12, led by Lord Jackson of Peterborough. The session examined growing state pressure on the Armenian Apostolic Church and highlighted the broader implications for religious freedom.

The panel featured international lawyer Robert Amsterdam, academic and legal specialist Peter Flew, and Primate of the Armenian Diocese of Great Britain and Ireland Bishop Hovakim Manukyan. Members of Parliament, representatives of the clergy, and media were also present, underscoring the seriousness of the topic and the concern it has generated among observers of human rights developments.

Speakers warned that the Armenian Apostolic Church remains a central pillar of Armenian identity, community life, and cultural continuity. Any targeted pressure against the Church is viewed as a direct attack on fundamental rights and civic freedoms. Participants stressed that religious persecution is a human rights issue that cannot be ignored and called for continued international attention and accountability.