YEREVAN, Armenia – Four prominent human rights organizations have issued a joint statement expressing grave concern and condemnation over remarks made by Feridun H. Sinirlioğlu, Secretary General of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) and a citizen of Turkey. The Armenian Center for Political Rights, the Armenian Helsinki Committee, the Forum for Freedom of Religion in Europe, and Christian Solidarity International released the statement on July 23, 2026.
Secretary General’s Controversial Remarks
The controversy stems from a recorded conversation in which Sinirlioğlu allegedly expressed readiness to offer his office’s support to the Armenian government in a campaign to remove Catholicos Karekin II, leader of the Armenian Apostolic Holy Church (AAHC). The organizations emphasized that it is deeply troubling for the highest-ranking official of an organization, whose core commitment is the protection of human rights, to even momentarily express willingness to support such a request. They demand an immediate and public clarification.
The organizations acknowledge that the statements were made during a phone call orchestrated by Russian pranksters who impersonated Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan. The conversation was published on July 8. While not condoning such deception, the organizations argue that the Secretary General’s words reveal a stance incompatible with the duties of his position.
During the call, the Secretary General accused Catholicos Karekin II of politicizing the Armenian Apostolic Holy Church. He then agreed to “look into” how the OSCE could assist the individual posing as the Armenian Prime Minister in removing the Catholicos. When asked if he could “change the Catholicos,” the impersonator replied that he was “considering all possible avenues.” He requested the Secretary General’s support if such a move faced public criticism, to which the Secretary General responded, “OK, I’ll do my best, I’ll try.” At no point did the Secretary General object to the forced removal of a religious leader by the state, which would violate the fundamental freedoms the OSCE is mandated to protect.
OSCE’s Commitment to Human Rights
Principle VII of the 1975 Helsinki Final Act defines the OSCE’s fundamental commitment to “respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms, including freedom of thought, conscience, religion or belief.” This commitment has been reaffirmed numerous times and is binding on all 57 OSCE participating states, including Armenia. The autonomy of religious organizations and their freedom to independently regulate their internal and canonical affairs are key components of this guarantee. As the Secretary General is responsible for upholding this commitment, he should not offer even tacit support to a government intent on removing a church leader.
Context of Government Actions Against the AAHC
These statements cannot be viewed in isolation. Since May 2025, the Armenian government has been conducting a systematic and continuous campaign against the AAHC, which is part of a broader attack on democracy and the rule of law. Prime Minister Pashinyan has publicly called for the removal of Catholicos Karekin II, published a “roadmap” for his removal, and made unsubstantiated accusations against the Catholicos and high-ranking clergy. Travel restrictions have been imposed on the Catholicos and several bishops, and high-ranking clergy have been arrested on criminal charges that appear to be politically motivated. Collectively, these actions represent an organized effort by the state to subordinate the Church to the government’s will, thereby endangering the principle of separation of church and state enshrined in the Armenian Constitution.
The Armenian Apostolic Holy Church is not an ordinary party to a political dispute. Since Armenia adopted Christianity as its state religion in 301 AD, the Church has played a crucial role in preserving the language, culture, and national identity of the Armenian people. This role is recognized in Article 18 of the Armenian Constitution as its “exclusive mission.” Contrary to the Secretary General’s assertion that the Catholicos is politicizing the Church, he has in fact sought to fulfill this constitutional mission by defending the rights of the Armenian people, including those ethnically cleansed from Nagorno-Karabakh in 2023. Therefore, any attempt by the state to remove the Catholicos violates not only Armenia’s international obligations in the field of religious freedom but also the country’s constitutional order.
Call for Clarification and Reaffirmation
Consequently, the organizations call on Secretary General Sinirlioğlu to:
- Publicly clarify and retract any suggestion that the OSCE could support the removal of the Catholicos of All Armenians or otherwise intervene in the internal governance of the AAHC.
- Reaffirm the OSCE’s commitment to protecting freedom of religion or belief in Armenia, in accordance with its human dimension commitments.
- Engage in dialogue with the Catholicos of All Armenians to ensure the full protection of the rights of the AAHC, its clergy, and its faithful.
The organizations are ready to meet with OSCE representatives to provide additional information and express their concerns, and they will continue to closely monitor the activities of the organization’s leadership. The head of the OSCE should be a defensive bulwark against violations of religious freedom, not a willing accomplice. As evidenced by the published statements, Secretary General Sinirlioğlu has failed this test and is now obliged to clarify his position.
John Eibner, President, Christian Solidarity International
Jan Figel, President, Forum for Freedom of Religion in Europe
Rafael Ishkhanyan, President, Armenian Center for Political Rights
Siranush Sahakyan, President, Armenian Helsinki Committee
